Where: Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NC
When: Monday, November 23rd, 7:30 PM
TV: Fox Sports South
Livestats: SCACC Hoops
Records: UNC 4-1, GW 3-0
So the Tar Heels make an effort to climb back on the proverbial horse and shake off the 2nd half meltdown versus Syracuse. Roy Williams' coached teams do a fairly decent job on the rebound from losses and I expect no less here. My take on Roy after the loss to Syracuse was not one of anger but rather a quiet acknowledgment there is work to be done. No mystery there.
Gardner-Webb probably should be taken with a bit of caution considering this team did score a win over Kentucky at one point and almost beat UNC in the 2006 season opener. That being said, the Heels are still the more talented team the problem is who knows what might happen if turnovers continue to plague UNC and Gardner-Webb lights it up from outside. One advantage UNC does have in this game is size which is a broken record I realize. In this case Auryn MacMillan is the only regular player the Bulldogs have that is 6-8 or taller. GW does have one 6-11 player but he averages 2 mpg. The rest of the roster comprises mostly guard sized players with a few 6-6 guys in the mix. UNC should have no trouble rebounding the basketball or imposing their will on the interior.
In short, I expect the Heels to win and heck it might come a little easily if the Heels take care of the basketball and exploit the interior matchups.
UNC 85 GW 62
Update: Consider this your game thread for the game this evening so comment away. GO HEELS!!!