EAST ORANGE, N.J. – On the surface it didn’t seem to be all that bad. North Carolina, in the comforts of the Dean Dome, ruined Isiah Thomas’s Florida International coaching debut with an 88-72 decision. The final margin hinted that FIU put up a respectable battle. Actually after UNC led 4-2 with 19 minutes to play it the first half, it was never close or in doubt. A closer look shows a huge disparity in defense where the Tar Heels had an edge.
POSS. EFF.
FIU 88 82 UNC 85 104
The stat suppliers at bbstate.com appropriately termed the tempo a ‘NASCAR’ pace. I’m not sure how Isiah wants to play this season but he was quite willing to put the pedal to the metal with Roy Williams’ Tar Heels. The 104 of Carolina is a nice offensive number to start the season. The 82 on the defensive end is more impressive.
Four Factors:
eFG FT Production Off. Rebound Turnover Rate FIU 43 21 21 23 UNC 59 26 48 31
The shooting percentage (UNC was 30-48 for 63 percent on 2-point attempts) and offensive rebounding work by Carolina were outstanding. So was the defense reflected in defensive efficiency and FIU’s paltry effective field goal mark.
It is early, but expect Williams to discuss the turnover situation extensively at the next practice. The Tar Heels committed 26, for a ridiculously high turnover rate. Freshman Dexter Strickland was the leader in that dubious category with five in 11 minutes. Expect that turnover number to reduce significantly as the games, and practices, progress.
UNC’s Deon Thompson led all scorers with 20 points and added 10 boards (6 on the offensive end). Thompson used only 11 possessions, or 13 percent of UNC’s on the night.
