Carolina’s one-point loss to Stanford on Saturday was a painful reminder of the team’s thin margin for error. With the game being decided by only one point, it’s clear that every play matters. The Tar Heels had multiple opportunities to capitalize on mistakes from the opponent, but ultimately fell short.
Coach Hubert Davis identified eight areas where the team struggled, including shot selection and defending out of bounds plays. These “little things” can add up quickly, and in this case, they led to a loss that the team couldn’t afford.
The game was also a testament to the team’s tendency to play close games. In just 19 games, Carolina has already had eight one-possession decisions, meaning that approximately half of their games have been decided by only a few points. This is a trend that bodes well for the rest of the season, but also highlights the need for the team to execute on offense and box out in critical situations.
The Tar Heels are 5-3 in close games so far this season, and while it may not feel like it right now, they have shown resilience and determination. The next step will be to build on this momentum and avoid breakdowns that allow easy baskets in close games. With a key stretch of games coming up, including a matchup at Wake Forest, the Tar Heels will need to play more crisply than they did on Saturday if they hope to emerge victorious.
Source: https://goheels.com/news/2025/1/18/mens-basketball-lucas-one-big-thing