Front court struggles appear again in UNC basketball’s loss at Louisville

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Jan 1, 2025; Louisville, Kentucky, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Reyne Smith (6) shoots against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Ven-Allen Lubin (22) during the second half at KFC Yum! Center. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Rhodes-Imagn Images

For the first time in as many seasons I remember watching them, the North Carolina Tar Heels lack a consistent post presence on their current basketball roster.

After learning behind Armando Bacot for two seasons, Jalen Washington hasn’t panned out in his first year as UNC’s starting center. North Carolina recruited 4-star center James Brown, but Hubert Davis rarely plays him. Ty Claude looks good in limited action, but he also rarely plays, while Ven-Allen Lubin isn’t scoring at his Vanderbilt level.

The Tar Heels’ post struggles came to a boiling point during Wednesday’s 83-70 loss at Louisville (9-5, 2-1 ACC), particularly on the offensive end.

Washington only played 17 minutes, but he was UNC’s (8-6, 1-1 ACC) best big man, scoring seven points (3-of-5 field goals, one made free throw) and grabbing six rebounds.

Jae’Lyn Withers, who started the season as North Carolina’s power forward, scored just two points (1-of-2 on field goals) and grabbed five rebounds in 16 minutes off the bench. Claude saw the court for just three minutes – and collected two fouls.

“They were very physical. In the first half, I thought our shot selection could’ve been better,” UNC head coach Hubert Davis said during his postgame press conference. “I felt like there was opportunities where we could attack the basket. I feel like there were opportunities where we attacked the basket and instead of going strong, we double-pumped in the lane and missed a number of layups, whether it’s in the post or penetration.”

Lubin, who started the past several games at center for the Tar Heels, struggled immensely in 21 minutes off the bench. Lubin scored just five points, making three of four free throws and one of five field goals attempts.

A late-second half stretch…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/front-court-struggles-appear-again-041738583.html

Author : Tar Heels Wire

Publish date : 2025-01-02 04:17:00

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