The No.8-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels had discussed starting games quicker and gaining the lead on opponents earlier.
On Wednesday night, despite their late start, the Tar Heels (11-2) used a late surge at the end of the first half and a great second-half outing to defeat the Northern Iowa Panthers (5-6) 85-42 at home.
Four UNC players scored in double-digits against Northern Iowa, led by Kennedy Meeks’ 18 points. Justin Jackson scored 12 points and Joel Berry II and Isaiah Hicks both added 11 for the Tar Heels. Berry played in his second game back from injury.
UNC coach Roy Williams said he believed Meeks made the difference in the game. After the game, Williams told Meeks he was proud of him.
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“In the second half I thought he was the best player in the game for us today,” Williams said. “He’s got to have that attention and got to have that attention to detail and listen.”
CHAPEL HILL, NC – DECEMBER 21: Joel Berry II #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels drives to the basket against the Northern Iowa Panthers during the game at the Dean Smith Center on December 21, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
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