Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Keeping It Heel Staff Picks vs NC State

By Mark DeMott

CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 21: R.J. Davis #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels drives against Jarkel Joiner #1 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at the Dean E. Smith Center on January 21, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 80-69. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 21: R.J. Davis #4 of the North Carolina Tar Heels drives against Jarkel Joiner #1 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack during their game at the Dean E. Smith Center on January 21, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 80-69. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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The UNC Basketball team travels to Raleigh for a game that is critical for their NCAA Tournament hopes.

After Monday’s loss to Miami, the UNC basketball team has now lost four of their last five, and their NCAA Tournament hopes are in serious jeopardy.  Up next for the Tar Heels is a trip to NC State for a rivalry matchup in what will be a very raucous environment.  Will Carolina be able to rally together and hit enough shots to pick up a massive win against the Wolfpack?  Find out what our staff thinks below!

Nick Delahanty

I’m not falling for this trap again.

Give me NC State at home.

Prediction: NC State 81, North Carolina 68

Mark DeMott

I don’t think Carolina can keep up with a high-scoring NC State team on the road by doing what they’ve done thus far.

Some changes are necessary, and more shooting is needed on the court.  Whether that comes from Puff Johnson, Tyler Nickel, or Jalen Washington, I don’t know.  Hopefully, Pete Nance can break out of his slump if necessary, but when you are currently not in a position to even make the NCAA Tournament, I think something needs to be done.

The Wolfpack would love to push the Heels towards the wrong side of the bubble more than anyone.  With UNC’s history against NC State and dreams of last season in the back of my mind, I am hopeful that Carolina can pick up a season-changing victory.  However, when I look at what I’ve seen on the court recently I don’t have the confidence to make that pick.

Prediction: NC State 85, North Carolina 77

Aaron Conrad

The Tar Heels are coming off a disappointing loss and time is running out.

The easy pick here is to say that they will not bounce back and they are what they are at this point. That said, there is something about NC State that UNC seems to get up and ready for. Motivation won’t be an issue. NC State is playing well and the crowd will be loud.

Honestly, every game is a must-win for the rest of the season. That said, I don’t believe UNC comes out as the winner here.

Prediction: NC State 90, North Carolina 84

Spencer Schultz

At this point, we’re having the same conversation. This North Carolina team is simply not very good. It’s who they are at this point in the season.

NC State’s DJ Burns is a player to watch in this one, as he gave Armando Bacot fits in the first meeting between these two sides. Another Tar Heels loss and they’ll likely be on the outside of the NCAA tournament bubble.

Prediction: NC State 77, North Carolina 72

Next. NC State Game Preview. dark

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