Tyler Hansborough outlines issues with UNC after Tar Heels' win over Syracuse Orange: "We struggle on the road"

The North Carolina Tar Heels escaped Syracuse with a 72-68 win on Tuesday night despite their inconsistent play and struggles with the Orange's 2-3 zone.

The win was the Tar Heels' fourth in a row, but just their second on the road this season.

Former UNC great Tyler Hansborough talked about the issues that the Tar Heels (15-6, 7-3 Atlantic Coast Conference) have had on "The Field of 68" podcast:

"We struggle on the road. UNC hasn't played well on the road. We are very comfortable and very good at home, but taking this show on the road has been an issue. And I thought we have a good core coming back, and I thought this team would be a more veteran team."

That was the expectation as they began the season ranked No. 1 after the run to the NCAA Tournament championship game led by Caleb Davis and Armando Bacot last season. Five of the Tar Heels's six losses have come on the road, including a four-overtime loss to No. 2 Alabama at a neutral site. Three of those road losses came to ranked teams.

Hansborough took notice of how Pete Nance was able to lead UNC to the win, including his late heroics:

"Pete Nance had a big night, 21 points. Pete did a really good job around that free-throw area. Where they would throw him the ball and then he can face up and it opens up the whole floor, you have the shooters. I thought the high-low action was key tonight."

The Northwestern transfer played 40 minutes, totaling 21 points, four rebounds, three assists, three steals and a block in a well-balanced game at all three levels. It was a surprisingly elite defensive game for Nance. When he plays at a high level on both ends, it bolds well for UNC.

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Armando Bacot had a strong showing with 18 points, eight rebounds and four assists in 32 minutes. He had four turnovers within the feisty Orange zone that he has to avoid for this team to succeed. Caleb Love and RJ Davis combined for 24 points, six rebounds and 10 rebounds.

Guard R.J. Davis continues to start strong for the Tar Heels and helps them establish the early tone against opponents. He had five timely assists in the first half to establish the scoring for the Tar Heels, who had to adjust to the extended zone.

Hansbrough praised UNC's bench, which was essential in the second half.

"I thought Tyler Nickel came in there, played and Jalen Washington got some minutes," Hansbrough said. "Depth has been an issue for UNC, and if we can get these young guys acclimated and maybe get their confidence up and maybe rely a little more on their bench."

Tyler Nickel and Jalen Washington combined for five points, three rebounds one assist, one steal and one block in less than fifteen minutes combined.

A lot of pressure comes from road games, and UNC will have to find stability in the second half of this season.