Five takeaways from UNC basketball's Tuesday's night win over Navy
Every good team has an off game. For the North Carolina Tar Heels, that off game came Tuesday night against the Navy Midshipmen.
Hosting Navy in one final home game before a 3-week road stretch, UNC led by just seven at halftime. North Carolina quickly pulled away, thanks to three straight Caleb Wilson dunks, en route to a 73-61 victory.
The Tar Heels' (5-0) defense also made a major difference in the second half, holding the Midshipmen (2-3) scoreless for over seven minutes. UNC didn't exactly take charge during this stretch, but instead played smart basketball and limited turnovers.
It wouldn't be a North Carolina win unless Wilson showed out . Wilson dunked, defended and rebounded his way to a 23-point, 12-rebound double-double, leading all players in both categories. Tuesday marked three straight games with a double-double for Wilson, who is quickly becoming a household name in college basketball.
When the Tar Heels struggled to distance themselves early, Luka Bogavac rose to the challenge with 10 quick points. Eventually, Bogavac's teammates caught up and made their own impacts.
Jarin Stevenson, the Alabama transfer and a Chapel Hill native himself, enjoyed his best game in a UNC uniform. Stevenson provided his signature defense, but also added eight rebounds and 11 points (4-of-6 shooting), his best output in a North Carolina uniform.
The Tar Heels won't play in Chapel Hill again until December 7, when they host Georgetown in their return from the Fort Myers Tip-off and ACC-SEC Challenge . As you celebrate tonight's win, read our five takeaways.
Ball movement was phenomenal
UNC ended its night with 15 assists, led by six from starting point guard Kyan Evans, but that number doesn't even begin to cover how impactful ball movement was.
North Carolina, typically an up-tempo team, looked for the best shot available on Tuesday night. Veesaar collected the ball down low, then kicked it out to Bogavac. Wilson passed to Veesaar , Stevenson found Evans.
Regardless of who touched the basketball, its movement played a major role in the Tar Heels' victory.
Jarin Stevenson is UNC's X-factor
North Carolina didn't have a player like Stevenson – someone who can provide instant offense, lockdown defense, or play anywhere on the floor – last year.
Through five games this year, Stevenson is the Tar Heels' most important player. He scored 11 points, grabbed eight rebounds, blocked one shot, assisted on a make and delivered suffocating defense Tuesday night.
Caleb Wilson is one of the best players in all of college basketball
Wilson's second-half dunk, pictured above, gained national attention across social media. UNC's star freshman recorded a double-double for the third-straight game Tuesday night, scoring a game-high 27 points and grabbing a game-high 12 rebounds.
Wilson either has 20 points or double-digit rebounds in his first five games as a Tar Heel. Just how much better can Wilson get?
Don't be concerned about the closer-than-expected score
Navy was the preseason Patriot League Champion pick. The Midshipmen quickly showed why Tuesday night, closing their first-half gap to four at one point.
Sure, you want North Carolina to win every game in blowout fashion, but close tests are needed. UNC will be just fine.
Seth Trimble's injury is beneficial for the Tar Heels' long-term success
Yeah, I know it sounds weird saying that. Trimble's injury allows Hubert Davis to experiment more with his new-look roster, which helps UNC find hidden stars in the backcourt.
Bogavac is Trimble's current replacement. Derek Dixon and Jonathan Powell are great assets off the bench. Isaiah Denis is there, too.
When Trimble returns in January, the Tar Heels will be even more dangerous. Bogavac was great Tuesday night, scoring 10 quick points in the first half.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball: Five takeaways from Tuesday's win against Navy
