Tar Heels found defense in time for tournament

Two missing ingredients apparently have been found. Over the next three weeks, we’ll find out if the recipe is complete enough to bring North Carolina the second national championship of the Roy Williams Era.

From early January to early February, the Tar Heels’ defense was indifferent at best. During a nine-game stretch, North Carolina allowed 80 or more points six times. Two of those games came in the Smith Center and resulted in the team’s only regular-season losses.

While North Carolina’s penchant for fast-break basketball makes it difficult to keep the scoreboard from flashing on both sides, the Tar Heels’ defense has improved. That was evident in the regular-season finale at Duke when North Carolina blanked the Blue Devils for the last five-and-a-half minutes of a 76-68 victory.

“It’s a challenge to be a really good defensive team,’’ Williams said. “Sometimes you get lucky, and they miss shots, as well. The statistics show we’re getting better defensively. It’s something we have to be good at if we want to reach those big-time dreams that we have.’’

The other missing ingredient for a six-game stretch was sophomore point guard Ty Lawson. He suffered a high ankle sprain against Florida State on Feb. 3. North Carolina went 5-1 without Lawson as senior Quentin Thomas did a solid job.

Thomas, who has spent his career as a back up, will be important to North Carolina’s NCAA Tournament chances. Lawson’s main back up had been Bobby Frasor, but his season ended with a knee injury in late December.

Thomas, who went 111 games between starts, proved he was more than capable of relieving Lawson when needed.

“He had Bobby come in and play in front of him, and then Ty come in and play in front of him,’’ Williams said of Thomas. “He’s been a great teammate. He’s been a great member of the team for the coaching staff.

“I think the biggest way it’s going to help is it makes Q so much more confident,” Williams said. “The more confident you, are the better you’re going to play.’’

North Carolina’s chances at a national championship is enhanced by the presence of junior Tyler Hansbrough. The 6-9, 250-pounder is averaging 23 points and 10.5 rebounds per game.

“Pyscho T” approaches the game like a middle linebacker and can be difficult to stop once he gets the ball in the low post. He averages 10 free throw attempts per game; the Tar Heels average 26.

“I think he’s the best player in the country … His sheer toughness and competitive spirit comes out every time he laces them up,’’ Miami coach and former Texas assistant Frank Haith said.

When Lawson was out with his injury, Hansbrough raised his game, averaging 27.8 points and 13.3 rebounds.

“The guy is going to battle throughout the whole game,’’ North Carolina senior guard Marcus Ginyard said. “He’s going to get banged up, and he’s still going to finish. He’s going to play hard each and every play.”