As much as this season has felt like the same game over and over again for UNC, Saturday’s 74-73 win against Notre Dame was different. The Tar Heels built a lead in the first half, pushing the Irish’s deficit to 12 around halfway through the first 20 minutes. Carolina went to the locker room up seven points after shooting 48% from the field.
The second half was even better for the Tar Heels, as they shot 58% from the field, but nearly every player found themselves in a world of foul trouble. That foul trouble meant that Notre Dame shot 18 free throws to UNC’s seven in the second half.