UNC Basketball: No Bacot, No Nance… big problem?

The UNC basketball program will likely be without two big contributors on Saturday. Can they battle through and secure a victory on the road?

Hubert Davis and the UNC basketball program are still looking for their first true road victory during the 2022-2023 season. They’ll look to capture it on Saturday, as they take on Kenny Payne and the struggling Louisville Cardinals.

Although Louisville comes in with a 2-15 record, this game is rather concerning for the Tar Heels, as they are likely without not only star big man Armando Bacot but fellow frontcourt starter Pete Nance as well.

Obviously, the hope is that the active Tar Heels can still get the job done, but it most likely will look a bit different than what we’re used to seeing. Can this group look to end the road skid and return home with a much-needed ACC road victory?

Key to Victory for North Carolina

Next man up.

Fans have called for Hubert Davis to utilize his bench more. Now, the Tar Heels simply don’t have a choice.

The reserves are going to get plenty of opportunities to shine, and what better way to earn future minutes than to contribute when your number is called upon? The opportunity will be there, who will step up and make the most of it?

The likes of Jalen Washington, Justin McKoy, Puff Johnson, and possibly Dontrez Styles will see extended minutes in Bacot and Nance’s absence. Although the injuries are not ideal, the experience for others should be beneficial for the Tar Heels, especially down the stretch.

If North Carolina wants to win this game (and any other game they are without the duo of Bacot and Nance), other players are going to have to step up and help fill the void as best as possible.

Something to Watch

Senior guard El Ellis has been outstanding so far this season, and the Cardinals rely on him heavily.

Through 17 games, Ellis is playing Caleb Love/RJ Davis-type minutes, as he’s rarely off the court at any given time. As the only Louisville player even scoring in double-figures, can the Tar Heels slow down the ACC’s fourth-leading scorer?

Insert the likes of Leaky Black and Seth Trimble.

It’s expected that both players will have a chance to guard Ellis, as Hubert Davis will likely mix and match given the personnel on the floor. If North Carolina can slow Ellis down, they should be in a good position to win this game.

Last Meeting

On February 21, 2022, the UNC basketball program defeated Louisville by a score of 70-63.

Brady Manek led the Tar Heels with 17 points, while Caleb Love and RJ Davis each had 16 points of their own. Armando Bacot was a monster on the boards, as he recorded 12 points and 15 rebounds in the win.

Projected Starters

No. 4 R.J. Davis (Jr., 6-0, 175) – 16.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 3.2 apg
No. 2 Caleb Love (Jr., 6-4, 200) – 16.6 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 3.4 apg
No. 1 Leaky Black (Gr., 6-9 205) – 7.2 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 1.4 apg
No. 0 Seth Trimble (Fr. 6-3, 192) – 2.9 ppg, 1.1 rpg, 1.0 apg
No. 13 Jalen Washington (Fr., 6-10, 225) – 3.7 ppg, 1.7 RPG, 0.1 bpg

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