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North Carolina has begun their season with a perfect 3-0 record under new head coach Michael Malone, winning all three home games thus far. However, the team has faced challenges, particularly in physicality. It took strong second-half performances to overcome Western Carolina and Wyoming. Coach Malone is keen to avoid this pattern becoming a recurring issue.

When the Tar Heels faltered at halftime against Wyoming, Malone issued a clear directive to his squad: "The streets talk." This phrase was followed by his directive for his team: "Go into the Dean Smith Center and push them boys around." The "streets" reference pertains to the prevailing sentiment among other teams, specifically their tendency to be more physical, which includes outrebounding the Tar Heels in several matchups this season.

According to Inside Carolina, North Carolina has been outrebounded by a margin of 162-148 over four home contests, including the preseason matchup against Charlotte. This trend is not acceptable, considering the strength of their opponents. Coach Malone recognized the issue and took matters into his own hands during halftime. His message was well received, and the second-half surge resulted in a double-digit lead.

They eventually sealed the win and now aim to carry this momentum into their upcoming match against Georgia on Friday.