UNC Basketball looks to begin new winning streak against American

UNC Basketball will look to right the ship on Friday.

In their first game since their heartbreaking loss to No. 1 Kansas, the Tar Heels travel back home to take on the Eagles of American University. UNC hopes to come out on top Friday before its trip to Hawaii for the Maui Invitational.

2024-2025 Season

North Carolina Tar Heels

Overall Record: 1-1
Conference Record: 0-0
Home Record: 1-0
Away Record: 0-1
Neutral Site Record: 0-0

American Eagles

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

Key Players

North Carolina

RJ Davis (Gr. Guard) - 20.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, 5.5 assists
Seth Trimble (Jr. Guard) - 17.0 points, 3.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Elliot Cadeau (So. Guard) - 14.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, 7.5 assists

American

Matt Rogers (Gr. Forward) - 13.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, 0.7 assists
Colin Smalls (Gr. Guard) - 12.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, 2.3 assists
Geoff Sprouse (Jr. Guard) - 10.7 points, 2.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists

Keys to Victory for North Carolina

Contrary to last game, the Tar Heels need to take advantage of their height against American.

The Eagles don't have a single player above 6' 9". After UNC's lack of height was an issue last week, the Tar Heels' frontcourt will need to dominate this game against a much smaller American team. UNC's backcourt has been its calling card so far this year, and this should be a chance for the forwards to establish their presence in the game.

Look for UNC to go down low to junior forward Jalen Washington early and often on Friday.

Something to Watch For

Can UNC play a full 40 minutes?

In their first two games of the season, the Tar Heels have yet to play a full game. They struggled against Elon in the second half, refusing to pull away from the Phoenix. Last Friday, UNC's 15-point halftime deficit was too much for it to overcome and pull out the win against Kansas.

While the Tar Heels should be able to earn the victory on Friday, it will be important to show that they can play well from start to finish before facing the Maui Invitational gauntlet.

Projected Starters

No. 3 Elliot Cadeau (So. 6'1)
No. 4 RJ Davis (Gr. 6'0)
No. 7 Seth Trimble (Jr. 6'3)
No. 13 Jalen Washington (Jr. 6'10)
No. 24 Jae'Lyn Withers (Gr. 6'9)