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Sweet 16 Game Preview: Indiana vs. North Carolina

By Horran Cameron

Mar 12, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) points to his bench after scoring in the first half dV| uring the championship game of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 12, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) points to his bench after scoring in the first half dV| uring the championship game of the ACC conference tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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The No. 5 seed Indiana Hoosiers (27-7) will face the No. 1 seed North Carolina Tar Heels (30-6) Friday night in the East regional semifinal matchup. The two teams have a history as we discussed the history  previous matchups earlier in the week.

But tonight’s game is for a trip to the Elite Eight and it should be another good one.

Indiana and Carolina are mirror images of one another. Both teams won their regular season championships. Indiana averages 86 points per game, while UNC averages 84 points per game. However, they contrast in the manner in which they run their offenses.

Indiana has a lot of shooters on their team. In fact, Indiana has eight players who shoot at least 40 percent from three-point range. Indiana averages 18 assists per game. Their offense is guard-heavy. Indiana’s best player, Yogi Ferrell, is the heart and soul of the team. He has been consistent all season long. He has scored in double figures in every game, except three. It’s safe to say that Indiana’s offense runs through Ferrell.

Mar 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers guard Yogi Ferrell (5) brings the ball up court against the Michigan Wolverines during the Big Ten Conference tournament at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Michigan wins 72-69. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

Despite this, Ferrell has a great deal of talent that surrounds him. Thomas Bryant and Troy Williams average double figures in points, along with Ferrell. OG Anunoby, Max Bielfeldt, Collin Hartman, Robert Johnson, Juwan Morgan and Nick Zeisloft are several role players who are capable of having standout performances. Indiana head coach Tom Crean is not shy about having a 10-man rotation. Expect to see all of these players in action against the Tar Heels, though Indiana’s Johnson and Morgan are questionable.

The Tar Heels have steamrolled through their first two opponents. Unlike Indiana, their strength is their front court, however, do not underestimate their backcourt.

UNC’s best player is Brice, a first-team all-American this season. Joel Berry, Marcus Paige and Isaiah Hicks are several other key players who are capable of taking over a game. Indiana will have their hands full with Carolina, because of the uncertainty with their offense. Carolina can run the offense through Johnson or Paige. With the emergence of Berry, teams have to prepare for him as well. Then, you have to consider the hybrid guard-forward Justin Jackson who is silent assassin. Jackson can beat teams with his slashing and outside shooting.

Although Indiana will probably use a zone defense against Carolina, man-to-man defense may be a better option. Many people underestimate how good Carolina’s guards are. Nate Britt is a role player off the bench. Although he does not play as much as Berry and Paige, he contributes with his defense and scoring. If Berry, Britt, Jackson and Paige are hot from the outside, then Indiana will have no choice but to defend them. This will open up the interior for Carolina.

Mar 19, 2016; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Isaiah Hicks (4) dunks the ball against the Providence Friars in the second half during the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at PNC Arena. The Tar Heels won 85-66. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina may house the best big men in the country. Johnson and Hicks are matchup nightmares for any team. While Johnson has a finesse game, Hicks has an “in-your-face” type of game, based off toughness and going to the rim every time he gets the ball.

Although Johnson has his share of highlight reel dunks, he has a more diverse offensive game than Hicks. Hicks has a throwback offensive game, because he looks to dunk on someone first then shoot.

North Carolina’s size and quickness will be too much for Indiana. On the surface, this game seems like it will be close.

However, do not get caught up in the fact that two big name schools are playing.

Carolina is on course to get to their first Final Four since 2009. There are not any teams in the East region capable of hanging with Carolina.

Carolina’s biggest threat is their confidence. When they play their game, no other team compares to the Tar Heels. In the first 10 minutes of the game, the score will be close. In the long run, Carolina pulls through and wins by 10 or 12 points. Expect several UNC players in double figures against Indiana. UNC head coach Roy Williams will attempt to silence his critics.

WHAT?  Indiana Hoosiers @ North Carolina Tar Heels
WHEN? Friday, March 25, 2016
TIME? 9:57 p.m. E.T.
WHERE? Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
TV? TBS
RADIO? Tar Heel Sports Network
PREDICTION? UNC beats Indiana, 75-63

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