Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Staff Picks @ Wake Forest

By Mark DeMott

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 04: Tyree Appleby #1 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons goes up for a shot against Caleb Love #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half of their game at the Dean E. Smith Center on January 04, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 04: Tyree Appleby #1 of the Wake Forest Demon Deacons goes up for a shot against Caleb Love #2 of the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half of their game at the Dean E. Smith Center on January 04, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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The UNC basketball team desperately needs a big road win on Tuesday night.

The North Carolina basketball team enters Tuesday night’s matchup with Wake Forest in serious need of a victory.  After disappointing losses to Pittsburgh and Duke last week, the Tar Heels are sliding further away from the Top 25 and closer towards the NCAA Tournament bubble.  Next is a “Quad One” opportunity against a Wake Forest team fighting for its postseason life.  Will the Tar Heels bounce back and pick up a crucial road win against the Demon Deacons?  Find out what our staff thinks below!

Nick Delahanty

I want to believe in this group, I really do.

If it wasn’t for Wake Forest struggling a bit (having lost four of its last five contests), I wouldn’t be giving the nod in favor of the Tar Heels. However, this matchup may be good timing, as even though the Demon Deacons are coming off a win over Notre Dame, they still have plenty of things to sort out.

Give me the Tar Heels, but not by much.

Prediction: North Carolina 78, Wake Forest 76

Mark DeMott

I don’t think UNC is going to become the team that we hoped for (a team that could make a deep run in March) without some changes to the lineups and rotation.

The Tar Heel offense has looked stuck for much of the season, and I don’t think that will change until more shooting and athleticism are added to the starting lineup.  Puff Johnson, Tyler Nickel, Jalen Washington, and Seth Trimble need more time to make an impact on the floor.  Some energy (and floor spacing) off the bench could be just what the starters need to find their groove.

I think (or at least hope) some changes will be made starting tonight.  If not, the Heels could have another rough night against a good Wake Forest team.

Prediction: North Carolina 80, Wake Forest 75

Aaron Conrad

I am not going to sugarcoat this or say a bunch of things to fill this column. I have lost faith in this team.

After Saturday, I no longer believe they will come out of this and be the team that somehow figured it out last year.

I actually see UNC going 2-6 the rest of the way.

Prediction: Wake Forest 84, North Carolina 76

Spencer Schultz

This team seems to really be on the bubble now after losing to Duke. The offense has fluttered in the last two games, failing to eclipse 65 points in both contests.

We’ll see what adjustments head coach Hubert Davis makes, including the curious case of Pete Nance. His struggles against Duke could lead to a guy like Jalen Washington or Tyler Nickel seeing more playing time in the frontcourt.

Prediction: North Carolina 73, Wake Forest 71

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