North Carolina Basketball: 3 keys for the Tar Heels against Pittsburgh

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 02: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels directs his team against the Harvard Crimson during the first half at the Dean Smith Center on January 02, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images /

2. Nassir Little must contribute double figures off the bench

Freshman forward Nassir Little is one guy the Tar Heels want to keep in the flow of the game. While many people have been calling for the freshman forward to be named a starter, he’s continued to grow into his role as a consistent contributor off the bench. Little is producing 10.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game and is finding his groove at the right time.

He’s put up double figures in his last two appearances. He had 10 points against the Davidson Wildcats back on Dec. 29 and 12 points against the Harvard Crimson in the Tar Heels’ victory on Wednesday night.

Little’s biggest weakness has been his 3-point efficiency. He’s shooting just 24 percent from behind the arc in 2018-19, which explains his role as Sixth Man, but it’s worked out for both sides. He’s shooting 51.9 percent from the field this season and as January gets underway, his ability to shoot will really be something to keep an eye on against tougher opponents.

ACC play is a gauntlet, especially with the Duke Blue Devils and NC State Wolfpack on the schedule. Little’s contributions will be needed a ton in a big one this Saturday if North Carolina hopes to open ACC play 1-0. Another double-figure game is sure to boost his confidence.

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