UNC Basketball vs. Miami game preview, info, prediction and more

Following their big win over Duke on Saturday, the UNC Basketball program has a quick turnaround and they can’t afford a letdown against Miami on Monday night.

UNC welcomes in a scrappy Miami team that enter this game losing four of their last five games, with that lone win being against Duke. The Tar Heels won the earlier meeting between the two teams on the road on Coral Gabbles, but it was a fight until the end.

This could set up as a classic let down game, coming off the high of beating your hated rival just two days ago. But a win keeps UNC on its path to the NCAA Tournament and would give them their eighth win in the last 10 games in conference play.

For the Tar Heels, using their strength in the post could be the biggest factor in this game.

They have a solid three-man rotation of Garrison Brooks, Armando Bacot and Day’Ron Sharpe, all averaging over 7 rebounds a game. As a team, UNC is averaging 42 rebounds per game, giving them the advantage against almost every opponent they have played so far this season.

With Brooks and Bacot starting, Sharpe is one of the first players off the bench to add some depth to that rotation. And the freshman has delivered so far this season.

Sharpe is averaging 9.7 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, putting together a fantastic freshman season in Chapel Hill. He came on strong in Saturday’s win at Duke in the second half, helping propel the Tar Heels to victory. This is also a big opportunity for Bacot to continue his tear.

After scoring just one point in the loss to Clemson, Bacot rebounded with a 16-point, 6 rebound and 2 block game against the Blue Devils. Like Sharpe, the sophomore also did a lot of his damage in the second half.

While the Tar Heels are favored in this one, they can’t overlook this Miami team. That should be made clear by head coach Roy Williams.

Key to Victory for UNC

Defense. We saw the Tar Heels get out to leads of 10 and 12 against Duke only to see them quickly disappear. While they won, UNC gave up 87 points which was 17 more than they averaged going into that game.

This is a Miami team that struggles to score, averaging 66.7 points per game. But they can get hot and make you pay if you play lazy defense. UNC needs to put the pressure on early and have a strong game defensively.

Something to Watch

Caleb Love, again. He’s really elevated his play over the past month and made a statement in UNC’s win over Duke on Saturday. The freshman took over the game scoring 25 points and helping the Tar Heels not only on the offensive end but by playing good defense as well.

After a slow start to the season, Love appears to be back on track and is really improving as the year goes on. We are starting to see why he was a highly-touted recruit that earned his five-star ranking.

What you need to know

WHAT? Miami Hurricanes (7-11, 3-10 ACC) AT North Carolina Tar Heels (12-6, 7-4 ACC)
WHEN? Monday, February 8 @ 7:00 PM EST
WHERE? Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina
TV? ESPN
RADIO? Tar Heels Sports Network
LINE? UNC -9.5
LAST MEETING? UNC defeated Miami 67-65 on Tuesday, January 5th.
ALL-TIME SERIES? UNC leads 26-8
PREDICTION? UNC 72, Miami 67

For more on the UNC Basketball program including a recap of the game, please check back with Keeping It Heel.