UNC has a chance for a resume-building win.
North Carolina and Tennessee will play Wednesday night for the first time since 2021. It is a top-25 matchup with the Vols at #10 and UNC at #17. Lately, North Carolina has struggled against the top tier of teams. After beating Arkansas, this game will give the Heels a chance to change recent perceptions.
What Will it Take?
Tennessee is a VERY physical team that plays tough defense. They are ranked 12th in defensive efficiency for the season and are not scared to be aggressive. North Carolina’s guards will have to fight through contact often. On top of that, the Heels need Armando Bacot to get back to form. The UNC big man struggled in the Bahamas but was dominating before that. North Carolina will also hope to have guard Cormac Ryan back after spraining his ankle last week.
Getting Stops
Tennessee is dynamic and has multiple players that can score.
Dalton Knecht: A guy UNC looked at in the portal, Knecht has been awesome for the Vols. He is a do-it-all forward who shoots well but has the athleticism to attack the rim. This is the guy North Carolina has to slow down.
Jordan Gainey: Another transfer, Gainey is second in scoring for them. He is not afraid to shoot and is a guy you don’t want to get hot.
Zakai Zeigler: This guy tore UNC up in 2021. The Heels couldn’t stop him. Zeigler is still working back from an injury, but he is a quick guard who facilitates the ball.
Santiago Vescovi: A three-point hunter, he lives on the perimeter. Vescovi is a guy you have to follow around and not let him get shots off.
Jonas Aidoo: Well, he’s from Durham, and UNC started recruiting him way too late. He is a physical big who can score around the rim.
Josiah-Jordan James- Averaging nine points and seven rebounds, James is another strong guard that UNC will have to slow down.
Tennessee lost their last two, so this is a back-against-the-wall game. The Heels better be ready!
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