North Carolina vs. Portland: College basketball game preview, TV schedule

The North Carolina Tar Heels will first face the Portland Pilots as part of the PK80 Tournament. Is there even a slight chance at an upset?

TV Schedule: Thursday, Nov. 23, 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

Arena: Moda Center, Portland, Oregon

The Portland Pilots opened the season with a disappointing loss to Portland State but were able to bounce back with two absolutely dominating wins over two much weaker opponents. While they have yet to face a team the caliber of North Carolina this season, their last two wins will have given them a bit of confidence heading into the PK80 Tournament.

That being said, the North Carolina Tar Heels are one of the best teams in college basketball, and Portland doesn’t stand a chance.

Facing three solid teams to open the season, UNC easily dispatched the Northern Iowa Panthers, Bucknell Bison, and Stanford Cardinal. In fact, none of these teams even looked like they were capable of upsetting the superior Tar Heels – which is saying something considering the fact that all three have solid rosters with talented players.

While they may not be as highly ranked as their rivals the Duke Blue Devils, this North Carolina team is legit. The decision to schedule decent, potential top 100-RPI opponents to start the season will pay off in the long run, and I have a feeling that it’s only a matter of time before UNC jumps into the top five.

There is not much to say about this game besides noting the inevitable Tar Heels’ victory. Portland might be able to keep it close for half a half, but past that is doubtful.

Prediction: North Carolina 90, Portland 65