SOUTH BEND, Ind. — After dropping its first ACC game of the season on Monday at Louisville, the No. 2 North Carolina men's basketball team enters halftime against Notre Dame with a 39-30 edge.
Here are three things to note from the first half at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center.
In the flow
After shooting an abysmal 34.5 percent from the field against the Cardinals, the Tar Heels enter the break shooting 48 percent from the floor.
A big reason for UNC's offensive success has been its ability to finish at the rim. Brice Johnson, Kennedy Meeks and Isaiah Hicks have combined for 22 points, while shooting 9-for-16 from the field.
Guess who's back?
Senior Marcus Paige entered Saturday's game having shot 5-for-36 from behind the arc in his past six games. But in the first half against the Fighting Irish, the guard has appeared to return to form.
Paige leads the Tar Heels with 12 points and has made 4-of-5 3-pointers. His 12 points are the most he's had in the first half of any game this season.
Second chances
Both teams have been aggressive on the boards so far in the first half, with UNC and Notre Dame tallying 17 offensive rebounds.
Fighting Irish forward Zach Auguste has made his presence felt on the glass, hauling in seven rebounds — including four offensive. He leads Notre Dame with 13 points.
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