Previewing Saturday’s UNC basketball game vs. Miami in Chapel Hill

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You have every reason to view Saturday as a trap game for the UNC basketball team, as it tries to further make its case for an NCAA Tournament berth with a 12 p.m. tip against ACC-worst Miami (FL).

North Carolina (18-11, 11-6 ACC) is exactly where it wants to be for a March Madness push, winning its past four games, with its past three victories coming in convincing fashion. Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis, who recently earned a contract extension through 2030, is playing a traditional lineup combination transforming his team into a consistent winner.

Miami (6-22, 2-15), just two years removed from a Final Four appearance, is struggling since legendary head coach Jim Larrañaga retired in December. The Hurricanes won their first three games to start 2024, but haven’t been on a winning streak since. Star guard Nijel Pack hasn’t played since a late 2024 injury, while Matthew Cleveland and Lynn Kidd are the only players scoring in double-digits.

If there’s one thing UNC is doing right this season, though, it’s beating less-than-stellar competition. North Carolina’s lone losses against ACC opponents – below them in the standings – came against reeling Pitt and a solid Stanford squad, the latter of which is sixth.

Ideally, the Tar Heels win Saturday’s matchup by double-digits. UNC just needs to win at this point – and it doesn’t matter how. Miami (FL) presents a golden opportunity for North Carolina to pick up a dominant win, but players can’t underestimate the Hurricanes, no matter how much they’re struggling.

Key to victory for UNC

Feb 24, 2025; Tallahassee, Florida, USA; North Carolina Tarheels forward Ven-Allen Lubin (22) pokes Florida State Seminoles forward Alier Maluk (21) in the eye as he shoots the ball during the first half at Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Myers-Imagn Images

Two areas the Tar Heels really impressed me in during Monday’s big victory at Florida State: offensive rebounding and second-chance points.

UNC went up against the nation’s second…

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/article/previewing-saturdays-unc-basketball-game-130648612.html

Author : Tar Heels Wire

Publish date : 2025-02-28 13:06:00

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