North Carolina fans are getting used to not knowing which UNC team will show up. The other Tar Heel team – not the one that beat Louisville, Michigan State and Kentucky – showed up after Christmas break to play 4-7 Northern Kentucky and managed to limp to a 75-60 victory.

The Tar Heels led by just five 35-30 at the half despite working the lead up to 14 early at 22-8.

As a result, UNC coach Roy Williams benched the starting five, except for Marcus Paige, to start the second half. The second five did show more enthusiasm and intensity. A fast-moving Paige to Desmond Hubert to Isiah Hicks dunk play got the loudest ovation of the night and put the Heels up by 10 at 40-30 early in the second half.

Williams said the second team’s desire gave the Heels a lift. He said they competed harder and cared more.

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