UNC Basketball closes out 2023 with non-conference game vs Charleston Southern

Can you believe that we've reached the end of the 2023 calendar year already?!

The 'Jordan Year' flew by, but before it comes to a close, Hubert Davis and the UNC basketball program have one more game on their December schedule.

North Carolina will host Charleston Southern to close out non-conference play, as this will be the final tune up for the Tar Heels before getting fully into ACC play. This game also marks the last home game the UNC basketball program will play over the next two weeks, as their first three games of the new year are all on the road.

Coming off an impressive victory over previously undefeated Oklahoma, the Tar Heels look to keep the momentum going heading into conference action. Although this appears like a game the Tar Heels should take care of rather easily, it's important to not overlook any opponent, especially with the way the college basketball world has seen plenty of upsets up to this point through the 2023-2024 season.

Key to Victory for North Carolina

It will be the battle of the RJs on Friday night, as UNC basketball standout RJ Davis will take on Charleston Southern Standout RJ Johnson in a matchup featuring two premier scoring threats.

Davis has been one of the best guards in the country, as he currently ranks eighth in the nation in points per game. Although the Buccaneers have struggled through the early portion of the season, Johnson has been outstanding, as the sophomore guard has averaged 17.1 points per-game while shooting 50% from the floor.

The Tar Heels will not only look to slow down Johnson but hope that Davis' recent hot streak will carry through the new year. Given the way he's played recently, expect another big performance from the Tar Heels senior guard, and expect a lot of emphasis on slowing down Johnson on the defensive side of the floor.

Something to Watch For

North Carolina has a distinct size advantage in this one, as this is the type of game that could really get Armando Bacot going.

Bacot hasn't been his dominant self as of late, but he has been playing better over the last two contests. Can this be a game where Hubert Davis puts an emphasis on getting Bacot the ball deep in the post to help him get back on track?

The Tar Heels need Bacot to be effective in order to win games over the next couple of weeks, as this game may be the perfect opportunity to get the fifth-year senior some good looks offensively.

Last Meeting

This will be the first-ever matchup between the two programs.

Projected Starters

No. 2 Elliot Cadeau (Fr. 6-1, 180) 6.7 ppg, 1.5 rpg, 3.7 apg
No. 3 Cormac Ryan (Sr. 6-5, 195) 11.6 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 1.4 apg
No. 4 RJ Davis (Sr. 6-0, 180) 21.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.0 apg
No. 5 Armando Bacot (Gr. 6-11, 240) 15.1 ppg, 11.0 rpg, 1.3 apg
No. 55 Harrison Ingram (Jr. 6-7, 235) 14.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 2.5 apg