A big question looms out in the world today: The Tar Heels scored 140 points in their pre-season game against Pheiffer yesterday. I have to say, that’s the most points I’ve ever seen scored by one team in a college basketball game. Obviously, UNC won the game. The Heels won by 39, which is a sizeable margin. In fact, Carolina led by 50 or more for most of the second half.

But do the math. UNC won by 39 and scored 140. That means, of course, that Pheiffer scored 100 too (101 to be exact). Scoring 140 is good. Giving up 101 is not. Roy Williams was none to pleased. To be fair, the Heels defense was non-existent only in the last 4 minutes of the game. At the last time-out of the game, UNC led 128-73. Had both teams emptied the bench at that point, the final would have been something like 135-85. 135 points and a 50 point win - all would have been joyful on the Hill.

So the question is: How bad was the last 4 minutes? These things have a way of working themselves out with good teams. That 101 will stay on the bulletin board all year I suspect. In the short term, Sacred Heart (UNC’s first-game opponent on Tuesday night in Charlotte) is in a lot of trouble. Clearly, the Heels can score. Now they’ll be motivated to bring the defense up to the level of the offense. In the long term, Coach Williams has a stick to shake every time he feels the defense is taking some time off. There is tangible evidence he can use to prove a point.

As the 2005 champs found out, defense will win the title. There is no way Carolina can score 140 every night. Their task going forward is to work hard enough on defense so they don’t have to score 102 to win. At some point, the Heels will need to win a game in the 70’s. Solid defense is the only way you win those games. Roy knows it. Now, as the season gets underway in earnest, it’s time for Roy’s players to know it too.