UNC Basketball vs. Tennessee: Game info, preview and prediction

The UNC basketball team had their first true test of the season, and even though they didn’t pass, it was still a win in learning what works and what doesn’t. Carolina wasn’t able to boil Purdue’s plans, but they did make them sweat despite the 93-84 outcome.

The biggest problem for UNC was their defense and foul trouble that hindered Carolina’s game plan. Armando Bacot was limited to only 17 minutes of action before ultimately fouling out in the second half and finished with only two points and five rebounds. Lack of Bacot meant more opportunity for Dawson Garcia, who did damage on the offensive side contributing 26 points in 33 minutes of play.

However, as good as Garcia’s offense was, his defense was shaky allowing Purdues’ Trevion Williams to score 20 points off the bench,  giving Garcia Hakeem dream shakes in the process.

Now, the UNC basketball program has a quick turn around as they take on No. 17 Tennessee on Sunday afternoon.

The 2-1 Volunteers had a rough outing against No. 5 Villanova losing 71-53, but they still pose a threat to UNC. Tennessee is led by guard Santiago Vescovi, who has been a consistent offensive weapon averaging 16.7 points per game on 39% shooting from the field. Oliver Nkamhoua will be the other player circled on Hubert Davis clipboard. Nkamhoua averages nearly a double-double with 11 points, and 9.3 rebounds on the season.

This is a game that UNC will not only need their offensive scoring ability, but their defense as well.

Key To Victory

Armando Bacot being limited due to foul trouble created a swiss cheese defense for Purdue to run through, and if he’s limited to only 17 minutes on the court that could repeat again today. UNC really missed Leaky Black on the court being a defensive nightmare against opposing teams. Now that Carolina has experienced what it’s like to not have their anchor on defense they should be more prepared to be without him if he misses again today.

It’s simple: limit fouls and close-out.

Next UNC will need to limit turnovers. The ugly bug from the past season infested the offense again yesterday as they turned the ball over 14 times. Along with those 14 miscues, there were times where an easy layup was botched, stopping Carolina’s chance at completing the comeback. Good ball movement while keeping a high tempo pace isn’t easy, but it becomes that much harder when some of the passes are lazy throwaways.

One good thing that did come from UNC basketball was the fight to win in which they never wavered despite the multiple Purdue runs. Bringing that same type of fight to Tennessee will be key to getting out to an early lead and a W in the win column.

Something To Watch

The backcourt match-up will be fun to watch today. Caleb Love and RJ Davis versus Tennessees’ Vescovi and Kennedy Chandler should be an offensive showdown with all four guards averaging over 14 points per game.

It will also be interesting to see how UNC attacks the rim after only getting 12 free throw attempts as a team against Purdue. Failing to get to the free throw line can’t repeat, and that starts with the guards attacking the paint.

What You Need To Know

WHAT? North Carolina Tar Heels (3-1) vs. Tennessee (2-1) at the Hall of Fame Tip-off Classic
WHEN? Sunday, November 21, 3:30pm ET
WHERE? Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, CT
TV? ESPN
RADIO? Tar Heels Sports Network
LINE? UNC +2.5
LAST MEETING? 2017. (10) UNC 78, (13) Tennessee 73
ALL-TIME SERIES? UNC Leads 10-1
PREDICTION? UNC 73, Tennessee 71

Be sure to check back with Keeping It Heel as we recaps today’s UNC vs Tennessee game and continue our coverage on UNC basketball.