The UNC men’s basketball team is playing better than pretty much any other team in the country right now, making them a hot pick to win a seventh NCAA Title (and eighth overall championship) in April.
Because of the Tar Heels’ strong play, it also means they have a target on their back.
North Carolina is winners of its past nine games, with each victory by at least 10 points. UNC has added a tough defense to its already, high-flying offense, making it even more difficult for opponents to play their style of basketball.
The Tar Heels have their first ACC rematch coming up next, heading down to Tallahassee, Fla. for a rematch with a rejuvenated Florida State program. The Seminoles (12-7, 6-2), who currently hold second place in the conference, are just one season removed from their first losing campaign since 2004-2005.
First-place UNC’s (16-3, 8-0) closest conference matchup – so far – was when FSU came to Chapel Hill on Saturday, Dec. 2 last year. This game, which opened up ACC play, saw the Tar Heels emerge with a 78-70 victory behind RJ Davis’ 27 points. North Carolina’s defense withstood four Seminoles scoring in double-figures last contest, including a team-high 17 points from Jamir Watkins.
There’s a sense of extra satisfaction that comes from beating a team of UNC’s caliber, which the ‘Noles are hoping to achieve. I expect a packed Donald L. Tucker Civic Center for Saturday’s matchup, but I also expect the Tar Heels to win a tight battle.