UNC Basketball takes on Iowa State in PKI semifinals

Hubert Davis and the UNC basketball program will look to clinch a spot in the Phil Knight Invitational finals with a win over Iowa State.

After a Thanksgiving day victory over Portland, the UNC basketball program has a quick turnaround as they’ll take on Iowa State in the semifinals of the Phil Knight Invitational.

The Pilots certainly gave the Tar Heels a run for their money, as the game was much closer than the eight points that separated the two teams at the final buzzer. Although everyone seems to be panicked about the state of the UNC basketball program through five games, it’s important to remember this very important factor:

It’s November.

The last time I checked, champions aren’t crowned in November. As we just celebrated Thanksgiving, Tar Heels fans should be thankful that, even with their struggles, North Carolina has won each of its last five games.

Now, of course, we want to see the Tar Heels play a full 40-minute contest. As the competition gets tougher, they’ll have to bring the intensity throughout, as they’ll be on the verge of being upset if they keep playing to the level of their opponents.

Can the Tar Heels clinch a berth in the PKI finals? Here’s what they need to do in order to make that happen.

Key to Victory for North Carolina

Other than their Thanksgiving overtime victory against Villanova, Iowa State has dominated its other three opponents. However, they haven’t shot the ball well from deep as a team, shooting just a 27.4 percent clip thus far this season.

However, this unit does feature four players who are shooting over 33 percent so far this season, so they do have some very capable shooters on the floor.

Needless to say, the Tar Heels need to do a better job defensively, especially with regard to closing out on shooters. Portland was an extremely good three-point shooting team and saw plenty of open looks. North Carolina needs to keep the intensity up on the defensive side of the floor, as this is something that could hurt the Tar Heels in this matchup if they fail to do so.

Additionally, the UNC basketball program must get Armando Bacot going early. This group is a much better unit when he’s involved early and often.

Something to Watch

Two things to monitor in this one.

Leaky Black continues to do Leaky Black things, as he’s often matched up with the opposing team’s best offensive weapon. It’s likely that the fifth-year senior will have the task of slowing down Jaren Holmes, who leads the Cyclones with 16.8 points per game.

Iowa State currently has 9 players who average more than 12 minutes per contest. As we know, Hubert Davis has relied heavily on a short rotation of players.

Playing on consecutive days for the first time this season, how will Davis manage the rotation, and can the Tar Heels get some much-needed production from their reserves?

Projected Starters

No. 4 R.J. Davis (Jr., 6-0, 175) – 15.2 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.4 apg
No. 2 Caleb Love (Jr., 6-4, 200) – 18.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.4 apg
No. 1 Leaky Black (Gr., 6-9 205) – 9.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.2 apg
No. 32 Pete Nance (Gr. 6-11, 230) – 14.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.8 apg
No. 5 Armando Bacot (Sr., 6-11, 235) – 16.8 ppg, 12.0 rpg, 1.2 bpg

What You Need To Know

WHAT? North Carolina Tar Heels (5-0) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (4-0)
WHEN? Friday, November 22, 2022, at 5:30 PM EST
WHERE? Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Portland, Oregon
TV? ESPN
RADIO? Tar Heels Sports Network
LINE? UNC -5.5
LAST MEETING? Iowa State defeated North Carolina 85-83 on March 23, 2014
ALL-TIME SERIES? Iowa State leads the series 1-0
PREDICTION? UNC 84, Iowa State 79