UNC Basketball: 3 keys for Tar Heels to beat Duke in must-win matchup

1. Pick-and-roll defense

Carolina’s pick-and-roll defense has been an area of major concern throughout this season, highlighted by back-to-back blowout losses to Miami and Wake Forest on Jan. 18 and 22.

One of Hubert Davis’ main goals in his first year as head coach has been to shift away from the Heels’ traditional two big man system—to modernize the offensive system by adding shooting to help space the floor. Brady Manek (13.5 PPG, 39.2% 3P) and Dawson Garcia (9.0 PPG, 37.5% 3P) have been highly effective stretch fours on the offensive end of the floor, although Garcia will miss his fifth straight game on Saturday as he deals with personal family matters.

That said, Manek and Garcia are not particularly mobile on the defensive end of the floor, lacking lateral quickness. The two transfers have significantly helped UNC’s offense by providing shooting and floor spacing, but have been vulnerable when pulled out to the perimeter on the defensive end by opposing mobile forwards.

Unfortunately for Manek and the Heels, Duke has one of the best mobile forwards in the country in Paolo Banchero. They also have multiple guards and wings who can act as the ball-handler in a pick-and-roll with point guard Jeremy Roach and an All-ACC wing in Wendell Moore Jr. leading the way.

Carolina’s defensive efforts on Saturday need to start with a focus on handling Duke’s versatility in the pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop. They have to make it more difficult for Moore and Banchero to find shots than allowing them to frequent a high ball screen action.