Auburn vs. North Carolina: Key storylines in the Sweet 16 matchup

CHAPEL HILL, NC - FEBRUARY 09: Head coach Roy Williams of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts in the second half of their game against the Miami Hurricanes at Dean Smith Center on February 9, 2019 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. UNC won 88-85 in OT. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 23: Jared Harper #1 of the Auburn Tigers reacts to a play against the Kansas Jayhawks during their game in the Second Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 23, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The North Carolina Tar Heels will lock horns with the Auburn Tigers in the Sweet Sixteen, Friday night. Here are the matchups’ storylines to look out for.

After getting off to a shaky start to the NCAA Tournament, trailing to Iona at half time of round one, UNC picked it up a gear. The Heels outscored the opposing Gaels by 20 points to set up their second-round meeting with the Washington Huskies – a game, in which, UNC was never really in any doubt of making it through. Friday night is going to be different. This matchup with the Tigers will likely prove to be one of the more realistic chances of seeing an upset in the Sweet Sixteen.

Auburn endured an impressive season, finishing 4th in the SEC. After getting through round one by the skin of their teeth, edging past New Mexico State, the Tigers were able to impress heavily in round two as they defeated No. 4 Kansas emphatically.

This meeting is one that stands out as being very competitive. As No.1 UNC remains one of the favorites for the national championship, Auburn will feel more determined to cause a large-scale upset and knock the Heels out.

This game should provide plenty of entertainment, especially on the offensive end. Both teams have recorded a ton of points in recent games and are known for their offensive play. UNC’s transition game will force an upbeat tempo to the clash, which should result in a lot of buckets. The Tar Heels will be tipped to win this one and make the Elite Eight, but an inform Auburn will have plenty to say about that. Let’s look at the key storylines for Friday night.

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