UNC vs Ohio State: 3 key storylines for ACC-Big Ten Challenge matchup
By Brian Rauf
1) UNC’s secondary scoring options
Anthony is a bona fide star for North Carolina. The 6-3 freshman guard can score from all three levels, range that extends are beyond the NBA three-point line, and the strength to finish around the basket.
Unsurprisingly, the projected top-five pick in the upcoming NBA Draft ranks third in the ACC averaging 20.7 points per game. He also leads the Tar Heels in assists (4.0) and steals (2.0) per game.
Anthony has been UNC’s offensive rock and clear-cut go-to guy. However, the Heels have run into problems trying to find a consistent secondary scoring option to help him carry the load. It caused North Carolina to struggle in their first four games – but they may have found their guy in Armando Bacot, another five-star freshman.
The 6-10, 232-pound Richmond, VA native scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in that win over Oregon in their last outing, showcasing the kind of interior dominance head coach Roy Williams and his staff were hoping for when they recruited him.
Bacot had flashed that ability before – recording 22 points and 14 rebounds in an uncomfortably close game against Elon – but he took advantage of a huge size advantage he had. Against the Ducks, the big man proved he could produce at a high level against elite competition. After the game, he told reporters that having a more aggressive mindset was the reason for that breakout performance.
"“Attack the offensive glass and do the moves that we work on every day. I feel like that’s what made a huge difference.”"
Ohio State is going to do everything they can to slow Anthony down, and rightfully so. But, if Bacot (or someone else) can step forward and have another productive outing, it may not matter.