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5 Questions The North Carolina Tar Heels Must Answer In Conference Play

5 Questions The North Carolina Tar Heels Must Answer In Conference play

North Carolina Tarheels
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As one of college basketball’s truly elite programs, North Carolina always operates under a microscope of scrutiny. The Tar Heels, who were considered potential Final Four contenders heading into the 2014-15 campaign, currently sit at 14-4 overall. Despite some early setbacks, North Carolina remains on course for another trip to the Big Dance come March. Here are five questions the Tar Heels must answer in ACC action.

5. Can the Tar Heels shoot better from 3-point range?

Marcus Paige
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5. Can the Tar Heels shoot better from 3-point range?

Marcus Paige
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North Carolina has always preferred an uptempo style of basketball under coach Roy Williams. The 2014-15 season is no exception as the Tar Heels average 79 points per game. North Carolina will need to sharpen its aim from the outside, however, if it intends to become a national factor come March. Currently, the Tar Heels are connecting on just 32 percent of their shots from distance.

4. Can North Carolina win close games?

North Carolina Tar Heels
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4. Can North Carolina win close games?

North Carolina Tar Heels
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Recently, the Tar Heels have dropped a one-point game to Notre Dame, won a one-point game against Louisville and claimed a two-point victory over NC State. If North Carolina wants to remain a factor for the ACC title in 2014-15, the Tar Heels will need to fare well in games decided by fewer than 10 points.

3. Can the Tar Heels force more turnovers on defense?

North Carolina Tar Heels
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3. Can the Tar Heels force more turnovers on defense?

North Carolina Tar Heels
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North Carolina is solid defensively, giving up 64.9 points while allowing 36.6 percent shooting on a game-by-game basis. However, Tar Heels opponents are only committing 13.4 turnovers per game so far this season. If North Carolina can force more giveaways, it will make the Tar Heels a dangerous foe down the stretch.

2. Can Marcus Paige carry North Carolina to an ACC title?

Marcus Paige
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2. Can Marcus Paige carry North Carolina to an ACC title?

Marcus Paige
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Considered the best point guard in the NCAA, Paige is averaging 13.6 points per game and boasts a more than 2-to-1 assists to turnover ratio. Can the 6-foot-1 junior lift North Carolina to an ACC title? Tar Heel fans will find out in a loaded ACC that features undefeated Virginia along with contenders Notre Dame, Louisville, Duke and Syracuse.

1. Are the Tar Heels a Final Four contender?

North Carolina Tar Heels
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1. Are the Tar Heels a Final Four contender?

North Carolina Tar Heels
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Many pegged North Carolina an early favorite to advance to the Final Four in 2014-15. With the Tar Heels dropping games against Butler, Iowa, Kentucky and Notre Dame, some of those sentiments have been put on hold. If North Carolina can put together a strong ACC campaign, they’ll likely be a trendy pick to reach the Final Four in Indianapolis come March.

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