UNC vs Texas A&M: Game preview, info, prediction and more
2-seed North Carolina to face 7th-seeded Texas A&M in second round
North Carolina struggled to get going in the first half of its first round matchup with Lipscomb on Friday afternoon, but a strong second half helped the Tar Heels to a comfortable 84-66 win over the Bisons.
With the win, Roy Williams moved to 28-0 all-time in the tournament’s first round, 14 of those coming at North Carolina. And in his last 13 trips to the NCAA Tournament, his teams have failed to make it past the second round just four times.
North Carolina will now face off with a team it’s played just three times before, the Texas A&M Aggies. The Tar Heels are 2-1 in the previous three meetings, but did lose a second round game against the Aggies in the 1980 NCAA Tournament.
Texas A&M poses a potentially difficult matchup for the No. 2-seed Tar Heels, given its size and experience in the post. The Tar Heels will attempt to offset the Aggies’ size and strength with their speed and perimeter shooting.
They’ll definitely have to hit some outside shots, though, and play tough interior defense on a Texas A&M team that has a clear advantage in the painted area.
One Texas A&M player to watch…
Tyler Davis could be a matchup problem for the Tar Heels, but he’s just one of the three Texas A&M front court players who help give the Aggies a size advantage in the paint. Davis, along with junior forward D.J. Hogg and sophomore big man Robert Williams, provide a formidable front for just about any team in the nation.
This year’s Tar Heels, in particular, who are markedly smaller and less experienced than in years past, will be at a disadvantage in Sunday’s second round game. The trio combine for 36 points and 23 rebounds per game, and allow the Aggies to run efficient offense through the low post.
The 6-foot-10, 265-pound Davis was named first team All-SEC this season, averaging better than 14 points and nine rebounds per game. Despite a number of setbacks for the Aggies this season, including a handful of injuries to multiple players, Davis helped lead the team to 20 wins and a berth in the NCAA Tournament.
One UNC player to watch…
Luke Maye continues to struggle in recent weeks, scoring just 12 points per game over his last five and shooting less than 35 percent from the floor. His efficiency from three-point range has dropped off, too, connecting on less than 30 percent of his attempts since the start of the ACC Tournament.
The Tar Heels don’t need Maye to get 17 points and 10 rebounds every game in order to win, but a little more consistency would definitely be a plus. He’s missed a number of shots from close range and turned the ball over 12 times in his last five games.
Against Texas A&M, Maye’s ability to hit outside shots could be a big factor. If he’s able to connect on a three-pointer or two in the first half, it could pull Aggies’ defenders out beyond their comfort zone and open up lanes for UNC’s guards to drive.
Key to the game…
Rebounding will be paramount to a North Carolina victory against Texas A&M.
Despite the Tar Heels’ lack of size this season, they’ve continued the dominant rebounding that we’re used to seeing from a Roy Williams-coached team. They led the nation in rebounding margin, and outrebounded a number of their opponents this season that held a decided size advantage.
An abundance of offensive rebounds for either team that lead to second-chance points will change the complexion of the game. And defensive rebounds that lead to fast break points for the speedy Tar Heels could make things difficult on the bigger, slower Aggies.
Freshman big man Sterling Manley had a terrific game for the Tar Heels in his first NCAA Tournament action on Friday. Manley scored six points and pulled down 10 big rebounds in just 10 minutes off the bench. Another performance like that from Manley could help give North Carolina the boost it needs in the post.
What you need to know…
What? UNC, 26-10 vs. Texas A&M, 21-12
When? Saturday, March 18th at 5:15 p.m. ET
Where? Spectrum Center – Charlotte, North Carolina
TV? CBS
Radio? Tar Heel Sports Network
All-Time series? UNC leads 2-1
Line? UNC -6
Prediction? UNC 88, Texas A&M 74