Lucas: NC State Rapid Reactions

By Adam Lucas

1. Carolina's 86-76 win over NC State was a nice window into how much the Tar Heels have improved in the last month. The Heels didn't do anything tremendously well, but they were overall much more efficient offensively and better defensively than they were in the first meeting.

2. The Heels pounded the ball into the paint throughout the game. Carolina owned the rebounding battle, 44-30, and outscored State in the paint, 48-38. They were much more efficient closer to the basket than they were in recent games, as they converted 33 of 57 two-point shots. Notably, Carolina was better defending dribble penetration.

3. Roy Williams called Carolina's defensive performance in an early…