North Carolina Basketball: 3 takeaways after Tar Heels fall to NC State Wolfpack

3. Defense, defense and defense

The lack of rotation on the three-point line and locking down DJ Burns one-on-one around the rim are just a few reasons that the Tar Heels were in a hole early.

The first half for State involved an above-50% conversion from downtown, making 4-7 attempts. Credit goes to the state for being able to knock down shots in the teeth of UNC's defense. North Carolina was unable to find a solution for the driving, shotmaking, and transition playstyles they were up against.

The second half was a similar story. Despite the intermission to be able to regroup and strategize, State was just the better team offensively at the Capital One Arena. It was that kind of night for a one-of-a-kind ACC Tournament run.

The defensive intensity did not show up for the Heels, there's nothing more to it. Nevertheless, it would be hard to see this kind of defensive outing by UNC once more as the field of 68 commences.