Watch: Louisville HC Kenny Payne Previews North Carolina

The Cardinals hit the road to face the Tar Heels, who are currently the top team in the ACC.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Following a 5-9 start to the season, the Louisville men's basketball has been playing much better over the last two games.

The Cardinals pulled off a stunning 80-71 upset at Miami last Wednesday for their first road win in over two years, then a furious comeback attempt against NC State fell just short for am 89-83. It's arguably their best two-game stretch under second year head coach Kenny Payne.

"The first thing that we've done well is we've played good offense," Payne said. "When you look at our shooting percentages over the last three or four games, we're right around 50 percent from three, getting to the free throw line, shooting over 75 percent. In those games, you see that we're doing some good stuff offensively. We just can't let it become an offensive game, and that's where we got to get better."

However, Louisville will certainly have their hands full in their next outing. They'll be making the trip to Chapel Hill for a showdown against North Carolina, who is the highest ranked ACC team in the AP Top 25 at No. 7 and the lone team in the conference that is undefeated in ACC play.

"They are probably one of the two or three best transition offensive teams in the country," Payne said of UNC. "Even if you get back, their guards are so good, and they run so hard, they're still gonna try to attack you. We got to get back, form a wall, be tight, and not give up transition baskets. Because they play really, really fast. ... Along with they got a seven-footer (Armando Bacot) that's one of the best college players in the game."

Prior to their matchup with the Tar Heels, Payne took time to meet with the media on the weekly ACC Coaches Conference Call. He discussed the previous game vs. NC State, previewed the upcoming showdown at North Carolina, and more.

Below is the video from his press conference:

Head Coach Kenny Payne

(Photo of Kenny Payne: Jamie Rhodes - USA TODAY Sports)

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