Preview: UNC vs Boston College

North Carolina vs Boston College, 12:00 PM, ESPN

There really isn't a much clearer objective for UNC in this game than to simply win and avoid falling to 0-4 in ACC play. At 0-3, the Tar Heels are not in a position to take a longer view than the game ahead. The present state of the season is very close to a full blown tailspin and dive into oblivion. The overall team morale and individual confidence levels are probably about as low as they can possibly. UNC needs a win in the worst possible way in hopes of stopping the bleeding and getting back in the right frame of mind.

Secondary to the whole winning issue is getting the offense rolling again, especially Marcus Paige. The sophomore guard has been in a slump since ACC play opened. The general lack of perimeter scoring has been a huge issue for most of the season but in three league games it has been a profound shortcoming. In that respect, facing a Boston College team that is one of the worst in the ACC could prove to be a cure for whatever ails the Tar Heel offense.

Given that UNC has lost three times at home already this season and two of those came against Belmont and Miami. Home games for UNC this season have not been as rock solid as they should be. Toss into the mix Boston College's resurgence as a three point shooting team, this game has some worrisome element to it. While getting the offense back to some level of acceptable production is an imperative, the defense needs to continue to do a solid job limiting opposing teams.

While UNC can only be concerned with the next game on the schedule, the upcoming six game may very well make or break the season. The Tar Heels play six of the next nine games at home with road games at Virginia, Georgia Tech and Notre Dame. A nice stretch of winning basketball over the course of the next month or so could effectively bury the memory and impact of the 0-3 ACC start. However, none of that will matter unless the Heels win this one first.

UNC 70 Boston College 58