UNC Women’s Basketball take on No. 5 Indiana in Top-10 matchup
By Drew Garrett
North Carolina looks to beat their third straight ranked team, as they battle against #5 Indiana this Thursday night.
After an incredible showing last week, the UNC women’s basketball program once again faces off against one of the nation’s top opponents.
No. 6 ranked North Carolina will travel to Bloomington, IN to take on #5 Indiana.
The Hoosiers have put together an impressive start to their 2022-2023 season. They sit at a perfect 7-0 with wins over #11 Tennessee and Auburn.
In their most recent outing, Indiana defeated Memphis 79-64 to win the Las Vegas Invitational. Senior Forward Mackenzie Holmes dominated, scoring 27 points.
UNC is also coming off a fantastic weekend. The Tar Heels took finished first place in the Phil Knight Invitational, where they had comeback victories over #18 Oregon and #5 Iowa State.
North Carolina’s own, Deja Kelly, was named the MVP of the tournament and took home the ACC Player of the Week award as well.
While both teams are playing elite basketball, only one of them can keep their perfect record alive tomorrow night. Here is how the Tar Heels can walk out of Assembly Hall with a W.
Key to victory
The Hoosiers’ top player this season is undoubtedly Mackenzie Holmes.
In 7 games this season, Holmes is averaging 20 points and 7.4 rebounds, all while shooting 76.6% from the field.
She has a strong presence in the post and will be very tough to stop. While she has not taken a three-pointer this season, she has shown the ability in previous years to knock down shots from deep when called upon.
Slowing down Holmes will not be easy for the Tar Heels, but it should be the team’s priority defensively.
Another key for North Carolina will be how they play early on.
UNC went down early in their games against Oregon and Iowa State, before eventually storming back in the second half and winning. However, a slow start can not happen against Indiana.
Assembly Hall is one of the loudest venues in college basketball and the crowd will surely affect the game. If the Tar Heels get hot early, it can quiet the fans and give UNC a big advantage.
If North Carolina can do these two things, it will be putting itself in a great position to come away with a victory.
Something to watch
Indiana will be without Senior Guard Grace Berger for the second straight game against UNC.
Berger, a five-year starter and one of the team’s most valuable defenders, will be tough to replace.
Keep an eye on how this affects Indiana’s defense tomorrow night. The Tar Heels make look to attack Berger’s replacement as it may be a notable mismatch.
If UNC recognizes this, Deja Kelly could be in for another huge night, which would hopefully lead to a North Carolina win.
Last meeting
The last time these two programs met was in 1988.
On December 4, 1988, North Carolina defeated Indiana 80-75 in Chapel Hill, NC. The Tar Heels are 2-0 against the Hoosiers all time.
Tomorrow night’s matchup will be the third meeting all time, and the first time these two face off in Bloomington, IN.
What you need to know
What? North Carolina Tar Heels (6-0) @ Indiana Hoosiers (7-0)
When? Thursday, December 1, 2022
Where? Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Indiana
TV? Big Ten Network
Radio? Tar Heel Sports Network
Last Meeting? North Carolina defeated Indiana 80-75 on December 4, 1988
Prediction? Indiana 77, UNC 63
Next. UNC Basketball: The ugly basketball continues. dark
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