The UNC basketball program is going to try and do everything it can to break its two-game losing streak on Saturday against Boston College. After a one-point loss to the hands of Jaylen Blakes against Stanford almost a week ago, and then a tough outing to the hands of Wake Forest — the Tar Heels need to turn things around before there is no NCAA Tournament bid.
And if that happens, winning the ACC Tournament would be its best bet. But it shouldn't get to that point.
This is supposed to be Carolina basketball, right?
2024-2025 Season
North Carolina Tar Heels
Overall Record: 12-8
Conference Record: 5-3
Home Record: 7-2
Away Record 3-3
Neutral Site Record: 2-3
Boston College Eagles
Overall Record: 9-10
Conference Record: 1-7
Home Record: 6-5
Away Record: 0-4
Neutral Site Record: 3-1
Key Players
North Carolina
RJ Davis (Gr. Guard) - 17.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists
Ian Jackson (Fr. Guard) - 14.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, 0.9 assists
Seth Trimble - (Jr. Guard) - 12.1 points, 4.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists
Boston College
Donald Hand Jr. (So. Guard) - 14.2 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.3 assists
Chad Venning (Sr. Guard) - 12.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 0.6 assists
Elijah Strong (So. Guard) - 10.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 assists
Keys to Victory for North Carolina
Play a full 40 minutes.
North Carolina needs to play a complete game, for the entire game. Not just the first 20 minutes or the last. It needs to be consistent in its defensive presence and score the ball efficiently — more passing, less isolation.
Head coach Hubert Davis' team has to do the little things in order to come up big on Saturday. And in front of a Dean Dome crowd filled with Carolina fans young and old — the proper environment is already set to be successful.
Carolina had an early 16-7 lead on the road this past Tuesday against Wake Forest but ended coughing up the advantage — letting its foot off the gas pedal.
This team has dig deep and claw its way to victory — the juice has to be there.
Something to Watch For
Ian Jackson.
Jackson went on a seven-game tear but the last two games he has scored a total of 11 points. It was probable for the frosh to have his fair share of ups and downs but the Tar Heels rely on him more than ever knowing his ability to score the basketball.
And the Tar Heels will need every ounce in this matchup to win comfortably — not by one possession.
Captain Jack has a tall order but has shown already that he's made for the toughest challenges.
Projected Starters
No. 3 Elliot Cadeau (So. 6'1)
No. 4 RJ Davis (Gr. 6'0)
No. 11 Ian Jackson (Fr. 6'4)
No. 9 Drake Powell (Fr. 6'6)
No. 13 Jalen Washington (Jr. 6'10)