Offensive Struggles Continue as No. 6 UNC Holds Off Unexpected Challenge From Gardner-Webb

An unexpected challenge from Gardner-Webb on Friday night at the Dean Dome had the sixth-ranked Tar Heels on upset alert for most of the game, until they ultimately came away with a 77-61 victory over the pesky Bulldogs.

If there’s one thing that can be taken from this game, it’s that UNC is struggling mightily to score the ball no matter who its opponent is. The Tar Heels have yet to even break 80 points through their first three games, a far cry from the 100-point range that head coach Roy Williams’ teams have typically put up in early season games against lesser opponents.

Freshman Armando Bacot put together the first double-double of his college career against Gardner-Webb, with 12 points and 11 rebounds. (Photo via Todd Melet)

As opposing defenses key on freshman point guard Cole Anthony—who still ended Friday’s win with a team-high 28 points while shooting just 7-of-17 from the floor—the Tar Heels’ supporting cast have looked sluggish on the offensive end.

That was again the case on Friday against Gardner-Webb, as the team was careless with the ball, turning it over 16 times, and struggled with its long-range shooting—converting on only six of their 18 attempts from three-point territory.

Over the final 10 minutes with Gardner-Webb only down by four, Anthony did what he does best and scored 11 of the Tar Heels’ final 18 points.

Despite coming away with their third straight win to begin the season, it should come as no surprise that Williams was less than thrilled with the way his guys played.

“We’re more gifted, we’re taller and all those kinds of things,” the coach told reporters afterwards. “And it’s still a one or two possession game. And none of you guys had to think it was a very pretty game. I don’t either.

Junior guard Andrew Platek gave the Tar Heels nine points off the bench in a game in which they struggled to find a go-to scorer beyond Cole Anthony. (Photo via Todd Melet)

“We had 16 turnovers, they had 13,” he added. “Do I believe we’re getting better? Yes. Am I ticked off right now? Yes.”

Coming into the season, it was well known that the Tar Heels would go through growing pains after losing their top five scorers from last season.

There’s still time and potential for someone else to step up and help Anthony carry the offensive load, but it’s starting to become clearer and clearer that this team may not be the standard-issue UNC offensive juggernaut that Williams seems to feature year-in and year-out.

Anthony’s freshman classmate—forward Armando Bacot—was the only other Tar Heel to score in double figures in Friday’s game, as he posted his first career double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

It’s still early in the season, for sure, however Anthony is confident his teammates will get things together on offense soon. If they don’t, this could turn into a long season.

“Offensively, it’s been a slow process,” Anthony said. “But it’s a long season. Obviously, we have a long way to go. But I’m confident in this group of guys.”

Up Next:

UNC returns to the court on Wednesday, Nov. 20 when it hosts Elon at 8:30 p.m.

Game Notes:

Cole Anthony scored 11 of his 28 points at the free throw line, making 11 of his 13 attempts.
Christian Keeling and Andrew Platek each finished with nine points for the Tar Heels, while Justin Pierce added eight.
UNC held Gardner-Webb to just 36.8 percent shooting from the field.

FINAL BOX SCORE

Cover photo via Todd Melet

Offensive Struggles Continue as No. 6 UNC Holds Off Unexpected Challenge From Gardner-Webb

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