Keeping It Heel
Fansided

UNC Women’s Basketball to face Michigan in Jumpman Invitational

By Drew Garrett

PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 27: Paulina Paris #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels is seen during the game against the Iowa State Cyclones in the Phil Knight Invitational Tournament Womens Championship at Moda Center on November 27, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OR - NOVEMBER 27: Paulina Paris #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels is seen during the game against the Iowa State Cyclones in the Phil Knight Invitational Tournament Womens Championship at Moda Center on November 27, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

After three straight home wins, the UNC women’s basketball program is heading to Charlotte to take on No. 19 Michigan in the Jumpman Invitational. 

In their last three contests, the UNC women’s basketball program has looked dominant.

The Tar Heels have won each of their last three by 20+ while scoring season-highs in points in their last two.

However, Tuesday’s matchup against Michigan will be a big test for UNC.

The Wolverines are sitting at 10-1 with several solid wins. Led by Emily Kiser and Laila Phelia, Michigan has both a great offense and a strong defense.

For North Carolina, beating Michigan won’t be easy, but it is very much possible. Since their loss to Indiana, the Tar Heels have played exceptional basketball and have shown a great deal of improvement.

If UNC wants to improve their three-game win streak to four, here is what they have to do.

Key To Victory

Michigan’s key to victory is to win the turnover battle and to outrebound their opponent. However, this North Carolina squad excels in those two categories.

The Tar Heels average 43.8 rebounds compared to the Wolverines’ 37. Along with that, UNC has heavily outrebounded their last two opponents, winning the battle by double digits.

Turnovers will also be crucial.

While we have seen an increase in turnovers in their most recent outings, North Carolina has proven the ability to take care of the ball against tough teams.

In their three ranked games this season, the Tar Heels managed to finish each contest with under 11 turnovers.

Winning these two battles will be crucial for North Carolina as it will make Michigan play out of its comfort zone. While it won’t be easy, it is attainable, and it has been done before against better teams.

Something To Watch

To beat a top team like Michigan, someone will need to step up and play big minutes. I believe that player will be Teonni Key.

Key averages just under 15 minutes a night and posts 4 points and 4 rebounds. However, I think her defensive capabilities will be very important for the Tar Heels.

Her ability to block shots and to cause problems for opposing players inside will be valuable for North Carolina and could be the key to a win.

This game will also be taking place in Charlotte, North Carolina at the Spectrum Center.

We could see a very pro-UNC crowd, which would give the Tar Heels an advantage and the feeling of a home game.

Last Meeting

This is the first meeting of these two programs in over 30 years, and the second meeting all-time.

North Carolina leads the all-time series 1-0, as the Tar Heels defeated the Wolverines 88-75 on December 4, 1987.

The contest took place in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, as it was a part of the annual Tar Heel Invitational.

Projected Starting Lineup

F- Anya Poole

G- Kennedy Todd- Williams

F- Alyssa Ustby

G- Deja Kelly

G- Eva Hodgson

What You Need to Know

What? North Carolina Tar Heels (8-1) vs. Michigan Wolverines (10-1)

When? Tuesday, December 20, 2022, at 7:00 P.M. EST

Where? Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina

TV? ESPN 2

Radio? Tar Heel Radio Network

Last Meeting? UNC defeated Michigan, 88-75 on December 4, 1987, in Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Prediction? UNC 77, Michigan 68

Home/UNC Basketball