UNC vs. NC State: Preview, broadcast info, prediction and more
The North Carolina Tar Heels take on their rival NC State Saturday in Chapel Hill.
After a frustrating 80-69 loss at Virginia Tech, UNC will look to rebound Saturday against rival NC State.
Although UNC has dominated the rivalry as of late, the Wolfpack are an improved squad this year and have recently picked up some momentum after earning their first Atlantic Coast Conference road win of the season over the Pittsburgh Panthers on Wednesday night.
While Kevin Keatts’ first season has had its ups and downs, the new head coach has proved he can build something special in Raleigh, as State is already playing much better than they did last year, now with less talent, too.
Even though State is much improved this season, it will be a tough task for them to defeat Carolina in Chapel Hill.
Yes, the Tar Heels are struggling right now but they are still one of the better teams in the country.
Not to mention that the last time the wolf pack came to the Smith Center, they ended up getting beat by 51 points.
This is almost a must-win game for UNC if they wish to keep pace with conference foes Virginia and Duke in the ACC standings.
Here’s what you need to know about Saturday’s game:
One NC State player to watch…
Omer Yurtseven is arguably the most talented player on NC State’s roster. After a disappointing freshman campaign, the seven-footer out of Turkey decided to stay in Raleigh for another year.
When Yurtzeven is playing well, this Wolfpack team is at its best. In wins over Duke and Clemson, Yurtseven is averaging 22.5 PPG.
In losses against UNCG, Virginia, and Notre Dame Yurtseven was held to just 17 points combined.
State will need the best out of the Turkish forward this Saturday if they want to win.
UNC forward Luke Maye will likely draw the matchup on Yurtseven in Carolina’s small starting lineup. While Maye is four inches shorter, his defensive effort and discipline should allow him to contain Yurtseven.
One UNC player to watch…
Kenny Williams was one of UNC’s best players during non-conference play, consistently knocking down three-pointers and playing great defense.
However, since ACC play has begun Williams has found himself in a significant slump, as his three-point percentage has dipped to a subpar 27.9%.
As much as this Carolina team relies on the outside shot, they will need Williams to find his shooting stroke again ASAP.
This Saturday’s game will be a good opportunity for Williams to do that, as it is at home and should be in front of a good Smith Center crowd.
Key to the game…
The most concerning part of UNC’s 11-point loss at Virginia Tech on Monday was the poor effort they played with. The Tar Heels played lazy defense and failed to secure rebounds they usually get the entire game.
It is rare to see a Roy Williams coached-team show play that carelessly, making it even more frustrating to watch.
This NC State team will be motivated to earn a big road victory over their biggest rival, so their effort will not be lacking. The beatdown UNC put on them last year in Chapel Hill may even add more fuel to the fire.
The Tar Heels will need to show up ready to compete on Saturday or State might just come in and steal an upset.
What you need to know
What? North Carolina (16-5) vs. North Carolina State (13-7)
When? Saturday, January 27th at 12:00 PM ET
Where? Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
TV? CBS
Radio? Tar Heel Sports Network
All-Time Series? UNC leads 155-77
Prediction? UNC 77, N.C. State 70