UNC Basketball Game Preview: Virginia vs. North Carolina

UNC will look to win the ACC Championship as they take on Virginia

On Friday, the No. 7 North Carolina Tar Heels (27-6, 14-4 ACC) manhandled the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 78-47. Carolina had five players in double figures. The Tar Heels closed out the first half on an 18-0 run to blow the game out of proportion.

Likewise, the No. 4 Virginia Cavaliers (26-6, 13-5) defeated the No. 11 Miami Hurricanes (25-7, 13-5 ACC), 73-68. 2016 ACC Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year Malcolm Brogdon led Virginia with 24 points, four assists and three rebounds. Although Brogdon made six of his 15 field goals, he connected on two of his three three-point field goals and committed only one turnover.

Today’s game has the top two ACC teams vying for the 2016 ACC Champion crown. This game will have implications in the NCAA Tournament, also. The winner of this game will likely be named a No. 1 seed in the East or the South bracket. This game could include the end of a nice rivalry between UNC’s Brice Johnson and UVA’s Brogdon.

Brogdon is difficult to guard. North Carolina would benefit heavily from placing Justin Jackson (height advantage) and Theo Pinson (quickness, best defender) on Brogdon to disrupt his rhythm and slow him down.

In the low post, the Tar Heels have a favorable advantage with Isaiah Hicks, Johnson and Kennedy Meeks. When UNC exploits this, they are hard to beat. Last night, Hicks had 11 points and 15 rebounds off the bench. Many of those rebounds led to transition points, where Carolina excels since they love to run.

On the other hand, Anthony Gill, Mike Tobey and Isaiah Wilkins comprise Virginia’s low post. Gill is their best big. His defense, quickness and rebounding gave Carolina fits during the regular season matchup. In the first game, Virginia and UNC were almost even when it comes to total rebounds (Carolina’s 36 rebounds to Virginia’s 33 rebounds). The deciding factor was the 13 turnovers that Carolina committed, in contrast to Virginia’s eight turnovers.

When it comes to the guard matchup, Brogdon gives Virginia an edge at the shooting guard position (since he is the current ACC Player of the Year). However, Carolina has Joel Berry and Marcus Paige, perhaps the best backcourt in the nation. Although Virginia’s backcourt is just as good, when Paige is on (like last night; 16 points and seven assists) Carolina looks like the best team in the country. Berry has consistent on both ends of the floor all season long. Expect Berry to take clutch shots, alleviating pressure from Johnson and Paige to feel the need to carry the offense.

Flat out, this game will be a heavyweight match between two goliaths. Throw out the x’s and o’s. At this point in the season, it is about winning and advancing. This game will probably be close since both teams are two of the best in the country. In last year’s ACC Tournament, North Carolina avenged a regular season loss to Virginia when they defeated them in the semifinals. Despite the losing to Virginia earlier this season (79-74), my prediction is that Carolina will win their first ACC Championship since 2008 later this evening behind strong games from Berry, Johnson, Paige and Hicks.

WHAT? Virginia Cavaliers @ North Carolina Tar Heels
WHEN? Saturday, March 12, 2016
TIME? 9:00 p.m. E.T.
WHERE? Washington, D.C., The Verizon Center
TV? ESPN and GoHeelsTV
RADIO? Tar Heel Sports Network
PREDICTION? UNC beats Virginia, 83-80