The No. 13 North Carolina Tar Heels will play a neutral site game against local “rival” Davidson. Will head coach Roy Williams be able to get his team to bounce back after a dismal offensive performance?
TV schedule: Friday, Dec. 1, 7:00 p.m. ET. ESPN
Arena: Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina
In what was supposed to be a possible “instant classic” game between North Carolina (5-1) and Michigan State, it turned out to be a game filled with enough bricks to build a number of houses. The Spartans only scored 63 points total, but it was more than enough to win the Victory Bracket of the PK80.
The Tar Heels shot a school record low of 24% from the field, and, while Michigan State can play good defense, it was a poor showing for the defending national champs.
There’s still a lot to be excited about for fans, especially the rise of now superstar Luke Maye, who’s now averaging 19 ppg and 10 rpg in the first six games. Senior guard Joel Berry seems to be 100% after breaking his hand right before the season started, but it was junior Kenny Williams who has stepped up from the perimeter, putting up 14.0 ppg.
They won’t return home, but rather to Charlotte where they’ll take on a Davidson (3-2) team whose seniors will get one final crack at the behemoth of the state (along with Duke). The Wildcats are already in the city after beating Charlotte 85-70 on Tuesday to snap a two-game losing streak.
Peyton Aldridge was once again the top player for them, getting 25 points and seven rebounds. It’s right along his averages of 22.0 ppg and 7.2rpg. Freshman Kellan Grady had 22 points in the win as well and has been great in his first year in college.
Sophomore guard Axel Gudmundsson is another player to watch for, scoring 43 points in his first two games this year. He’s also the leading passer of the team, dishing out 6.0 apg. Even without Jack Gibbs, one of the best scorers in the nation a year ago, this team is still capable of being an offensive juggernaut in any given game.
Next: Michigan State-Notre Dame by the positions
Last season Gibbs and Aldridge combined for 52 in an 83-74 loss at Chapel Hill a year ago. While North Carolina has the edge in the overall series, Davidson has always put up a valiant effort. If the Tar Heels shoot like they did last game, it will be another loss. However, the Tar Heels defense has been consistent all season and should keep the other Wildcats in check even if Aldridge goes off.
Prediction: North Carolina 78 – Davidson 68