Dallas, TX – In a disappointing outing, the North Carolina Tar Heels fell to the Southern Methodist University Mustangs 97-83, marking their second loss of the season and leaving them at 13-2 overall and 1-1 in ACC play. The game showcased significant struggles in UNC’s backcourt, particularly in the second half, as SMU’s guards dominated the floor, leading to a stark contrast in offensive execution.
The Game Overview
The matchup between the Tar Heels and the Mustangs was anticipated as a clash of talents, with UNC boasting the best defense in the ACC and SMU ranking second in scoring. However, the reality of the game unfolded differently, as SMU’s offensive prowess, particularly through their guard play, overwhelmed Carolina. The Mustangs shot an impressive 60% from the field and 51.9% from beyond the arc, with key players like Boopie Miller and Corey Washington combining for 50 points on 74% shooting. This performance exposed significant vulnerabilities in UNC’s defense, particularly their perimeter defense.
Key Player Performances
Seth Trimble Shines Amidst Team Struggles
Despite the loss, Seth Trimble emerged as a standout player for North Carolina, scoring a season-high 22 points along with five assists. His ability to penetrate the defense and create scoring opportunities was a bright spot for the Tar Heels. However, the inconsistency of other guards became evident, as the rest of the backcourt struggled to provide adequate support.
Guard Play: A Cause for Concern
The performance of UNC’s guards, aside from Trimble, was troubling. Jarin Stevenson managed to score 16 points, but the collective output from other guards was disappointing. Kyan Evans, Luka Bogavac, Jonathan Powell, and Derek Dixon combined for only 16 points on 5-for-15 shooting. This lack of production from the backcourt is a critical issue that could hinder Carolina’s success in the competitive ACC landscape.
Defensive Breakdowns
Defensive Struggles in the Paint and Perimeter
Carolina’s defense was underwhelming, particularly in the second half, as SMU exploited mismatches and capitalized on defensive switches. The Mustangs not only dominated in perimeter shooting but also outscored the Tar Heels 36-28 in points in the paint. Defensive lapses, poor on-ball defense, and ineffective switches led to open looks for SMU, showcasing a clear need for improvement in UNC’s defensive strategies.
The Need for Athleticism
A recurring theme throughout the game was UNC’s lack of athleticism on the perimeter. The Tar Heels struggled to stay in front of SMU’s quicker guards, leading to breakdowns that allowed easy scoring opportunities. Jarin Stevenson acknowledged the need for better on-ball defense as a starting point for improvement. The team’s overall athleticism has been a concern, and it was evident in this matchup.
Offensive Execution and Set Plays
Running Sets vs. Playing Freely
Head Coach Hubert Davis emphasized the importance of running offensive sets to get key players involved. However, the execution of these sets was lacking, and the team often found themselves stagnant, unable to create scoring opportunities. The inability to adapt when plays broke down further compounded their struggles. The lack of movement and screening among the bigs limited their effectiveness, preventing them from establishing a rhythm on offense.
The Importance of Getting Key Players Involved
The Tar Heels must find ways to get their primary scorers, Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar, more involved in the offense. Both players had stretches where they were ineffective, with Wilson going through a significant scoring drought during critical moments of the game. This lack of production from key players puts additional pressure on the guards and the overall offensive flow.
Looking Ahead: Areas for Improvement
Time for Reflection and Adjustment
With a week off before their next game against Wake Forest, the Tar Heels have an opportunity to regroup and address the issues exposed in the loss to SMU. Film sessions will be crucial for analyzing defensive breakdowns and offensive inefficiencies. The coaching staff must focus on improving the backcourt’s consistency and finding ways to enhance the team’s overall athleticism.
Upcoming Challenges in ACC Play
As Carolina prepares for a challenging stretch of games, including matchups against Wake Forest, Stanford, and Notre Dame, the focus will be on refining their game plan and ensuring that all players contribute effectively. The ACC is filled with talented guards, and the Tar Heels must be ready to face these challenges head-on.