Previewing UNC’s ACC-SEC Challenge game against Alabama

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Mar 28, 2024; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide forward Grant Nelson (2) blocks North Carolina Tar Heels guard RJ Davis (4) in the second half in the semifinals of the West Regional of the 2024 NCAA Tournament at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

After a week in Hawaii that included a pair of wins and two tough losses, the North Carolina Tar Heels will finally play basketball in the Dean Dome again Wednesday night.

UNC’s (4-3) next test doesn’t get any easier, though, as it welcomes Alabama for the ACC-SEC Challenge. North Carolina is eager to enact revenge on the Crimson Tide (6-2), who won March’s Sweet 16 matchup and advanced to the Elite Eight.

What went wrong for the Tar Heels? After going 3-1 before reaching Hawaii, UNC was exposed against stronger competition. North Carolina came back from 21 down to beat Dayton, never led against Auburn and lost in overtime to Michigan State. The Tar Heels’ lack of size proved costly, particularly against Auburn, in which Johni Broome dominated the paint.

Alabama, on the other hand, showcased its ability to beat tough competition in November. The Crimson Tide beat a pair of ranked teams in Illinois and Houston, which both came after a tough road loss at Purdue.

UNC shouldn’t panic yet, but it needs to beat the Crimson Tide if it’s a legit threat in college basketball this season. Alabama has a chance at another ranked victory, though this matchup isn’t as highly-anticipated as it was before the season started.

The Tar Heels are still tinkering with their lineups, which could be part of their early-season struggles. We all know that Drake Powell is THE guy, though, so maybe he warrants a start against Bama.

What should you be looking at ahead of tipoff? We’ll bring you several key points below, including what North Carolina needs to do for victory.

Key to victory for UNC

LAHAINA, HAWAII – NOVEMBER 27: Jaxon Kohler #0 of the Michigan State Spartans shoots over Jalen Washington #13 of the North Carolina Tar…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/previewing-uncs-acc-sec-challenge-230107692.html

Author : Tar Heels Wire

Publish date : 2024-12-03 23:01:00

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