In today’s Tuesday Talking Points, Adam Lucas points out that UNC is allowing opponents to shoot 32.4% from behind the three point line, which is the lowest percentage in the Roy Williams era. As the Tar Heel Fan blog is quick to note, that’s not just the lowest output while Roy’s been coach — it’s the lowest number ever surrendered by a Carolina team. Previously, the 1993-94 team allowed opponents to shoot just 33.0% from behind the arc.
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Matt Compton 
You’ve mostly won me over to the “UNC is a good defensive team” cause, but this stat is silly. Our three point percentage allowed 10 games in to the season (or any statistic 10 games in to the season) is completely meaningless. A) Small sample size and B) Crappy competition make it pretty much completely meaningless. I’m not about to crunch the numbers, but I’m willing to bet that it’s not the best % allowed *in the first 10 games* in UNC history.
By: Jeremy on December 18, 2007
at 4:00 pm
By itself, this early, opponent 3pt % is a meaningless stat, but taken together with other evidence, I think it’s worth pointing out.
Plus — even our crappy competition has come on the road, and a couple of those games include good 3pt shooting teams in BYU, Davidson, and Ohio State.
By: Matt Compton on December 18, 2007
at 4:54 pm
Key factors to consider also:
1. Prior to the mid 1990s three point shooting didn’t really affect the game to the extent to which it does now. That is, perimeter defense wasn’t essential then, now it is. Historical comparisons are not germane because they are skewed by significance. Contemporary comparisons are more worthwhile.
2. Speaking of contemporary comparisons…
Duke’s opponents are just 11-of-39 (.282) from three-point distance in ACC play this season.
On the season, Duke’s opponents have shot 78-of-258 (.302) from distance on the season.
GO DUKE!
By: Will on January 22, 2008
at 1:06 pm