Kentucky Basketball: 2020-21 keys to beating North Carolina Tar Heels

Kentucky Basketball: 2020-21 keys to beating North Carolina in CBS Sports Classic

MEMPHIS, TN - MARCH 26: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels and head coach John Calipari of the Kentucky Wildcats walk off the court before their game during the 2017 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament South Regional at FedExForum on March 26, 2017 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3 of 3

Kentucky Wildcats Isaiah Jackson Kansas Jayhawks Jalen Wilson Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Rebound

While North Carolina has been a putrid shooting team, about as bad as Kentucky, they rebound a lot of their own misses. Nationally, the Tar Heels rank 5th in offensive rebounds and 6th in total rebounds (per game). So, while they shoot a low percentage, they’re getting up more shots by dominating the glass.

If Kentucky is going to win, this can’t happen. Everyone on the court must commit to rebounding Isaiah Jackson will do the Inspector Gadget-like athletic things he always does. Olivier Sarr will get his share, barring foul trouble.

Beyond these two, Kentucky needs B.J. Boston and Terrence Clarke to, at minimum, outrebound their matchups. The two wings have rebounded well early on but Kentucky hasn’t faced a team as big as North Carolina.

Latest top-25 power rankings. dark. Next

Recap

Turnovers: do it less than the other team

Free throws: take more than the other team

Rebounds: Do it better than the other team

If Kentucky does this, the losing streak is over, and there’s hopefully less anxiety in the Bluegrass State.

Home/Kentucky Wildcats