3 keys for UNC Basketball versus UConn in 2023 Jimmy V Classic

3) RJ Davis versus Tristen Newton

We just touched a bit on the matchup between RJ Davis and Tristen Newton, but as the leaders and top scorers on their respective teams, it’s likely that whichever senior guard enjoys more success will lead their team to victory.

Davis has been scintillating of late, averaging almost 27 points per game in his last four. When the Tar Heel offense is at its best, Davis is a major part, scoring from the perimeter and finding teammates. When the Tar Heels stagnate, Davis is still the one to rescue them with clutch shots late in the shot clock and his ability to get to the free throw line, where he is shooting over 94%.

Newton has been just as important for the Huskies. He led the team with 19 points in last year’s national championship game win over San Diego State, and he’s used that performance to springboard himself onto the short list of best guards in college basketball, a status he cemented with 31 points against Kansas, which boasts arguably the nation’s best defensive backcourt.

The Huskies are incredibly balanced, with five players averaging over 14 points per game, but Newton leads the way with 17.5. His contributions extend far beyond scoring though, as he also leads the team in assists, rebounds, and steals.

Davis versus Newton is the kind of senior guard matchup usually reserved for the Final Four. Could this be a preview of things to come? The senior leaders are the heart and soul of their teams, and whoever gets the upper hand in this matchup has a great chance of moving their team to 8-1.

The amount of content this time of year for sports fans is overwhelming, but with no football and only two NBA games on the schedule, this game comes at a perfect time. Do yourself a favor and watch a possible Final Four preview in the world’s most famous arena.