Coming off a signature victory last weekend at home against Gonzaga, the ninth-ranked UNC men’s basketball team had a chance for another on Saturday in Chicago—but too many costly turnovers ultimately cost the Tar Heels in an 80-72 loss to the No. 19 Kentucky Wildcats.
While UNC (8-3)was able to overcome 23 turnovers against Gonzaga thanks to some red-hot shooting from three-point range, the game against Kentucky was a different story.
The Wildcats (9-2) built a nine-point halftime lead and were able to keep the Tar Heels from ever clawing all the way back down the stretch.
UNC head coach Roy Williams could only watch as his team committed 17 turnovers in Saturday’s loss to Kentucky. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
UNC pulled within four at one point and gave enough effort to stay close, but any time it seemed a game-changing run was near a critical turnover would flip momentum back the other way.
Four of the five Tar Heel starters ended the night with at least three turnovers while the team as a whole committed 17 and dished out only 18 assists.
Kentucky wasn’t perfect with the ball either—giving it away 18 times itself—but strong performances from forward Reid Travis and guard Keldon Johnson were enough to put the Tar Heels away.
Johnson had a game-high 23 points, while Travis contributed 20 of his own.
In addition, the Wildcats pulled off the rare feat of being able to dominate UNC on the glass—winning the rebounding battle by a margin of 43-33.
Needless to say, head coach Roy Williams will have plenty of things for his team to work on once they return from Christmas break.
“The three things we put up on the board today is one, win the rebounding battle,” Williams told reporters afterwards. “We lost it by 10. And before the game we had the best rebounding margin in the country.
“Another thing we put up was limit turnovers, make the easy play,” the coach continued. “We didn’t do a very good job of that. Another thing in the first half they shot 12 free throws and we shot two. And third thing on the board was play defense without fouling. So it’s a tough situation.”
All game long, Kentucky asserted itself as the more physical team. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Cameron Johnson led the Tar Heels with 17 points in the game, but also had a team-high four turnovers. Luke Maye chipped in 16 points and Kenny Williams had 11 to make the three UNC seniors the only players on the team to score in double figures.
Freshman point guard Coby White struggled mightily, as he had eight points and three turnovers while going 3-for-11 from the floor.
It was a performance that quickly muzzled plenty of the hype UNC gained with its impressive win over Gonzaga. If that game showcased the Tar Heels’ top strengths, then this one definitely put their weaknesses under the spotlight.
For UNC to get where it wants to go, it will have to take better care of the ball and eventually find someone to step up as an imposing force in the paint against teams with elite frontcourts.
It may have to happen relatively soon, also, as the Tar Heels have just two non-conference games remaining before the grind of the ACC schedule begins.
“They have to buy in more about the name on the front of the jersey,” Williams said. “If you lose yourself into the game, lose yourself into the success of the team—every individual will be taken care of. That’s stood the test of time.”
Up Next:
The Tar Heels return home to the Dean Dome for their next game, which is set for Saturday, Dec. 29 against Davidson with a noon tip-off time.
Game Notes:
- This was the first meeting between the two teams since the 2017 Elite Eight, when Luke Maye’s jumper from the left wing in the final seconds sent UNC to the Final Four.
- Coby White and Nassir Little combined to shoot 5-for-19 from the floor for UNC.
- The Tar Heels’ five offensive rebounds were the least they’ve grabbed in any game this season.
Cover photo via Associated Press
they need a point guard, not a shooting guard that does not run the offense. how did he only have 3 turnovers, he tribbles the ball off his foot twice in a 3 minute stand and came down the court and threw the ball away twice in same span.