Texas loss sticks in Williams' craw as Heels start ACC play

Despite more consistent play from a number of players over the last few games, UNC coach Roy Williams isn't sure if his Tar Heels are ready for ACC play.

"You don't ever know if you're ready until you get out there and play the games," Williams said, adding that the Heels have done what they can to prepare by playing a good schedule and playing good teams on the road.

"I would have like us to have played better in some of those games," Williams said, especially pointing to the loss in Greensboro against Texas. "We did some nice things in the Texas game but we needed to win that game."

The Heels led the Longhorns by seven with less than six minutes to play but ended up losing by two.

"We didn't finish out the Texas game. You always have that in the back of your mind, wondering if you've gotten rid of that completely," Williams said during his weekly media teleconference.

But Carolina's defense has improved of late and that's resulted in a pair of blow-out victories. "I don't know that I'd say we've turned the corner by any means but we are getting better," Williams said.

Williams said the work ethic, desire, efficiency, intensity and concentration is all there and gotten better during the season. "As long as you have those things, you have a tremendous opportunity to improve," he said.

"We're a work in progress but we're excited to start ACC play."

The Heels travel to 8-5 Virginia Saturday for a noon tipoff.