Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball looks to win third straight vs. rival NC State

By Drew Garrett

BLACKSBURG, VA - JANUARY 01: Guard Deja Kelly #25 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dribbles down court in the first half during a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum on January 1, 2023 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images)
BLACKSBURG, VA - JANUARY 01: Guard Deja Kelly #25 of the North Carolina Tar Heels dribbles down court in the first half during a game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum on January 1, 2023 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan Hunt/Getty Images) /
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The No. 22-ranked UNC basketball program plays host to No. 11 NC State in what will supposedly be a big-time ACC matchup.

706 days.

That is how long it has been since North Carolina defeated NC State.

Sunday afternoon, they will have a chance to break that streak.

The Tar Heels are coming into this game on a two-game win streak. Carolina best top-5 Notre Dame and defeated Virginia in Charlottesville to cap off a big week. After struggling to start off conference play, it appears that they have finally hit their stride.

However, NC State will be a very big test. The Wolfpack sit at 13-4 and are ranked No. 11 in the nation. They too will be looking for a big win, as they have lost three out of their last five.

When these two teams match up, it is always a highly entertaining game. For North Carolina, a win here would be massive not only this season but for the program in general.

Here is what they will need to do to beat NC State.

Key to Victory

Beating this NC State squad will not be easy. If North Carolina wants to walk away victors, they must play four great quarters of basketball.

In Thursday’s contest at Virginia, the Tar Heels entered the fourth quarter down 9 points. Although UNC eventually won by double digits, this can not be the same approach they take against NC State.

Setting the tone early puts the Wolfpack in a tough position. We saw this in their last game vs. Florida State.

Florida State got off to a strong offensive start and did not let up. The Seminoles outscored the Wolfpack by 20 through three quarters. This was due to their dominance on the glass and success from beyond the arc.

If they can set the tone early and continue their play until the final buzzer, they will put themselves in a great position to win.

Something to Watch

Deja Kelly has been fantastic this season for the Tar Heels. On the season, she is averaging 16.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.

Her presence will be very important Sunday.

In all three of NC State’s losses, the opposing team’s star goes off for a big game. Most recently it was Ta’Niya Latson of FSU, who went for 30 points.

It will be interesting to see how Deja Kelly performs and whether or not she has a big game. If the Tar Heels come away with a win, don’t be surprised if Kelly has a bug night.

Last Meeting

In this storied rivalry, the Wolfpack has the upper hand.

All time, NC State is 62-53 against North Carolina. To make things worse, State defeated UNC in their last meeting by a score of 66-58.

Kennedy Todd-Williams scored 15 for the Tar Heels, but a strong second half helped NC State get the win.

Projected Starting Lineup

F-Anya Poole

G-Kennedy Todd- Williams

F-Alyssa Ustby

G-Deja Kelly

G-Eva Hodgson

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