UNC Basketball ready for important rematch with NC State
The UNC basketball program will hit the road to take on in-state rival NC State on Sunday, a game that has a big meaning for the Tar Heels.
Just about a month ago, the UNC basketball program and in-state rival NC State squared off in Chapel Hill.
It was a chippy game, to say the least, as the Tar Heels came away with an 80-69 victory. On Sunday, the two will meet up once again, this time on the Wolfpack’s home floor.
NC State -1.5. 1:00 PM EST. 16-10. 441. Sunday, February 19, 2023. ESPN. 20-7. 442
There’s a lot on the line for North Carolina, as they’ve lost four of their last five contests and are currently well-situated on the bubble for the upcoming NCAA Tournament. The No. 23-ranked Wolfpack have lost two of their last three games but will come in looking for some revenge from their loss a few weeks prior.
In what should be a hostile environment for the Tar Heels, can Hubert Davis and company find a way to bring home a much-needed victory over a top-25 team?
Key to Victory
When shots aren’t falling, it’s very difficult to win basketball games.
That was the case in the Tar Heels loss to Miami, as they struggled mightily from three-point range. In order to get Armando Bacot open looks in the paint, North Carolina is going to have to knock down some shots. If they don’t, it will be very difficult for them to keep up in this game.
The UNC basketball program has players that can knock down shots, but simply haven’t done so consistently. RJ Davis and Caleb Love were outstanding early on against the Hurricanes in regards to driving to the basket, but couldn’t seem to figure it out from deep.
North Carolina’s backcourt duo must lead the charge, as someone other than Bacot must put the ball in the basket in order for the Tar Heels to have a chance.
Something to Watch For
The major matchup in this contest comes in the front court, as Bacot and DJ Burns will once again square off.
Burns has put together a strong season for NC State, as his 6-foot-9, 275-pound frame is a lot for any big man to handle. Although Burns had 18 points in the first meeting, Bacot out-performed him, recording 23 points and 18 rebounds in the Tar Heels victory.
Whichever big man wins this battle will play a major role in which team comes out on top.
Last Meeting
A few weeks ago, the Tar Heels defeated NC State at the Dean Smith Center.
The Trio of Bacot, Love, and Davis combined for 55 of the Tar Heels’ 80 points, as they captured an 11-point victory.
It’s important to remember that Terquavion Smith left the game due to injury, as Leaky Black was ejected after receiving a Flagrant 2 foul on the play.
Projected Starters
No. 4 R.J. Davis (Jr., 6-0, 175) – 16.1 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 3.3 apg
No. 2 Caleb Love (Jr., 6-4, 200) – 17.0 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.9 apg
No. 1 Leaky Black (Gr., 6-9 205) – 7.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.4 apg
No. 32 Pete Nance (Gr. 6-11, 230) – 9.7 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 1.5 apg
No. 5 Armando Bacot (Sr., 6-11, 235) – 17.4 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 1.1 bpg