UNC basketball continues non-conference play with matchup against La Salle

After a quick ACC matchup, the Tar Heels will continue their non-conference slate with the Explorers of La Salle University on Saturday from the Smith Center.

The matchup will be the first between the schools since 1988. La Salle, which competes in the Atlantic 10, started the season off hot with four straight wins but has dropped four of six games, including two straight, coming into Saturday.

2024-2025 Season

North Carolina Tar Heels

Overall Record: 5-4
Conference Record: 1-0
Home Record: 3-1
Away Record: 1-1
Neutral Site Record: 1-2

La Salle Explorers

Overall Record: 6-4
Conference Record: 0-0
Home Record: 4-0
Away Record: 1-1
Neutral Site Record: 1-3

Key Players

North Carolina

RJ Davis (Gr. Guard) - 18.1 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists
Seth Trimble (Jr. Guard) - 16.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.6 assists
Elliot Cadeau (So. Guard) - 12.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists

La Salle

Corey McKeithan (Sr. Guard) - 18.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists
Jahlil White (Sr. Guard) - 11.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists
Daeshon Shepherd (Sr. Guard) - 11.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.3 assists

Keys to Victory For North Carolina

Improve three-point shooting

Without an inside presence, the Three-pointer has become crucial to the Heels offense. North Carolina's shooting from beyond the arc has been abysmal over the past two games, shooting 17 percent against Alabama (5-for-28) and 20 percent against Georgia Tech (5-for-24). 

Rebound and Second chance points

Surprisingly, the Heels are currently outrebounding opponents by a margin of 1.7 rebounds per game. On the other hand, the Explorers are outrebounding opponents by a margin of 4.3 rebounds per game. This game can very well come down to rebounding and second-chance points.

 Something to Watch For

Expect a high scoring game in this one Carolina currently ranks at 333 out of 355 teams in scoring defense giving up 80 PPG. La Salle ranks at 256 giving up 74.1 PPG.

Projected Starters

No. 3 Elliot Cadeau (So. 6'1)
No. 4 RJ Davis (Gr. 6'0)
No. 7 Seth Trimble (Jr. 6'3)
No. 9 Drake Powell (Fr. 6'6)
No. 13 Jalen Washington (Jr. 6'10)