Previewing UNC basketball vs. UCLA in CBS Sports Classic

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Dec 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis reacts during the second half against the Florida Gators at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The North Carolina Tar Heels were four minutes away from one of the biggest upsets in college basketball on Tuesday night, but they allowed Florida to pull back ahead and win, 90-84.

UNC’s (6-5, 1-0 ACC) struggles to close out games continued, highlighted on Tuesday by its inability to box out. With its loss, North Carolina fell to 1-5 against ranked teams.

The Tar Heels now turn their attention to another ranked team. On Saturday, December 21 at 3 p.m. under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, UNC will face 10-1 UCLA. The Bruins, currently ranked 18th in the latest AP Poll, are winners of their past nine games.

North Carolina’s opportunities for Quad 1 victories, which are paramount come Selection Sunday in March, are slipping away. You could call Saturday a must-win for the Tar Heels, as they won’t face a ranked team again until Saturday, February 1, 2025 at archrival Duke.

In his postgame press conference Tuesday night, UNC head coach Hubert Davis emphasized how his guys need to play a complete 40 minutes. North Carolina struggled mightily in the first half against Florida, falling behind by 17, but roared back to outscore the Gators – and nearly win – in the second half.

The Tar Heels show potential at times, but their struggles far outweigh their potential. UCLA brings a shutdown defense – and electric offense – into Saturday’s showdown.

Make sure you keep reading below, as we give you several areas to keep an eye on, ahead of what we all hope is a massive win for UNC.

Key to victory for UNC

Dec 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Florida Gators forward Sam Alexis (4) goes for a dunk against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Ven-Allen Lubin (22) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels’ key to…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/previewing-unc-basketball-vs-ucla-003727500.html

Author : Tar Heels Wire

Publish date : 2024-12-19 00:37:00

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