UNC Women’s Basketball vs. UNC Wilmington Preview

The UNC women’s basketball program looks to bounce back Wednesday night after suffering their first loss of the season against No. 4 Indiana.

Following a tough loss at No. 4 Indiana, the UNC women’s basketball program returns to action on Wednesday night against a familiar in-state opponent.

The Tar Heels will face off against UNC Wilmington in their first game back from a long road trip.

After facing some of the nation’s top teams, UNC Wilmington should be a fairly easy opponent.

The Seahawks are coming off a rock-bottom 2021-2022 season, where they finished 3-26. Their struggles have continued into this season, where they have posted a 2-5 record through 7 games.

If the Tar Heels want to make quick work of the Seahawks, here is what they will need to do.

Key to Victory

A big key to winning this one will be on the defensive side.

Following their worst defensive performance of the season, the Tar Heels can use this game as an opportunity to bounce back on that side of the ball.

If North Carolina can play aggressively and force turnovers, it will undoubtedly cause problems for UNC Wilmington’s offense.

Jumping out to an early lead will also benefit the Tar Heels.

In their last home game against SC State, UNC jumped to a dominating 31-1 lead. By replicating this success tomorrow, North Carolina could be in for another commanding victory.

Something to watch

As I stated earlier, this UNC team needs to start strong tomorrow night.

In their last four games, the Tar Heels have yet to get off to a strong start, consistently trailing after the first quarter.

It is worth keeping an eye on how this UNC squad looks early.

Against a struggling opponent like UNCW, North Carolina should get off to a big lead early.

Last meeting

In their last meeting, the Tar Heels dominated the Seahawks, winning 85-45.

The game took place in Myrtle Beach, SC, as the game was a part of the Carolina’s Challenge.

Malu Tshitenge scored a game-high, and career-high 19 points, along with 10 boards.

This win helped the Tar Heels improve to 9-1 while the Seahawks fell to 3-8 on the year.

What you need to know

What? North Carolina Tar Heels (6-1) vs. UNC Wilmington Seahawks (2-5)

When? Wednesday, December 7, 2022 at 6:00 PM EST

Where? Carmichael Arena, Chapel Hill, NC

TV? ACC Network Extra

Radio? Tar Heel Radio Network

Last Meeting? UNC defeated UNCW, 98-28 on December 20, 2019, in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Prediction? UNC 87, UNCW 41