TRENDING NEWS: Three Takeaways from UNC vs. Michigan State

The Tar Heels are back in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 where they belong. Carolina battled back to defeat Tom Izzo’s Michigan State Spartans 85-69, securing a berth to the tournament’s second weekend.

Toughness is absolutely NOT a problem with this team, as we previously knew. Michigan State entered the game with remarkable physicality. With a haymaker of their own, UNC parried those blows as if to ask, “You want to play bully ball? Okay, let’s head out.

Here are three surprising characteristics of this game.

Elliot Cadeau’s memory span is limited.

Nevertheless, there remains a pressing need for him to refine his three-point shooting. Despite ample opportunities provided by the Spartans’ defensive strategy, the freshman struggled to capitalize from beyond the arc, going 0-4.

However, the point guard demonstrated resilience following his scoreless NCAA Tournament debut, which he openly criticized as “terrible” in his postgame interview. He effectively managed Carolina’s offense, recording six points, four assists, a block(!), and zero turnovers in 22 minutes of play. Beyond the statistics, Cadeau’s impact lies in the enhanced efficiency of the team’s offense under his direction, evident in his court vision and facilitation skills.

Remarkably, Cadeau stands out as one of the few players on the team who doesn’t require refinement in lay-ups, a skill that proved elusive for UNC in this game. Such lapses could prove costly in tighter contests. Cadeau exhibits reliability in finishing at the rim, with all his misses stemming from long-range attempts.

Hubert Davis is an excellent in-game interviewer.

Who can forget the unforgettable “live action” sideline interview with Tracy Wolfson during the 2022 national championship game? Well, our fearless leader delivered another memorable moment against Michigan State. Clearly anticipating Allie LaForce’s question, he passionately interrupted her, declaring, “Until we confront the fight head-on, that’s when things will turn around!”

Who else was ready to charge through a wall with me after that? When Hubert’s fire ignites like that, it’s infectious, and it’s evident how his passion resonates with the team.

Tomorrow, we’ll discover who the Heels will face in the next round. Will it be the elephants or the antelopes? And as each round unfolds, we’ll once again channel Andrew Garfield in Hacksaw Ridge, praying, “Please Lord, let me get one more.”

Seth Trimble is a kickass defender rather than a good one!

Though we already knew he was an excellent on-ball shutdown defensive player, in this particular matchup the sophomore really elevated his game. In his 17 minutes off the bench, Trimble—who finished with two points, one rebound, one steal, and two perfectly timed highlight-reel blocks—modified innumerable shots, locked up multiple wings, and contributed in a way that is difficult to quantify.

Speaking of exceptional defense, it’s essential to acknowledge the impressive performance of Armando Bacot, who has elevated his game this season by becoming a formidable rim protector. As a fifth-year senior, Bacot has showcased his defensive prowess with two remarkable blocks in this game, along with a third impressive denial that, while not officially recorded, undoubtedly affected the opponent’s morale. He is currently exhibiting the best defensive form of his collegiate career.

Collectively, this Carolina team has embraced the notion that defense can be a game-changer. Ranked sixth nationally in defensive efficiency according to KenPom, they have demonstrated a strong commitment to defensive principles. Defensive plays often ignite momentum swings and fuel scoring runs, underscoring the team’s understanding of the pivotal role defense plays in winning games.