:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/44266714/usa-today-8234745.0.jpg)
Tar Heels vs Hawkeyes.
| North Carolina | Iowa | |
| Conference | ACC | B1G |
| Record | 5-1 | 5-2 |
| KenPom Rank | 12th | 26th |
| Points per game | 81.3 | 73.7 |
| Adj. Off. Efficiency(Rank) | 108.3(20th) | 105.7(52nd) |
| Ad. Def. Efficiency(Rank) | 89.6(16th) | 91.5(28th) |
| Tempo(Rank) | 73.9(8th) | 70.0(48th) |
| Offensive eFG% | 48.9% | 48.9% |
| Defensive eFG% | 38.9% | 39.8% |
| Field Goal % | 45.0% | 43.2% |
| 3P FG% | 31.6% | 34.3% |
| Offensive Reb Rate | 41.0% | 36.9% |
| Defensive Reb Rate | 63.2% | 68.0% |
| TO Rate | 18.2% | 20.3% |
| FT Rate | 46.8% | 37.6% |
The numbers make this a match-up of two good defenses with UNC having a much better offensive efficiency than Iowa. After the Butler game experience and considering UNC presently is giving an offensive rebounding rate of 36.8% there will be a great deal of focus on UNC's ability to rebound. Iowa comes in with plenty of size including a legitimate 7-footer in Adam Woodbury who UNC recruited.
Iowa also starts and depends heavily on a lineup that has the size to match what UNC puts on the floor. In addition to Woodbury, Iowa has 6-9 Aaron White and 6-9 Jarrod Uthoff to go along with 6-5 Josh Oglesby. In theory Iowa's size could give UNC issues in terms of rebounding the basketball. That being said, the Hawkeyes rebounding rates aren't earth shattering.
The tempo numbers are also interesting. UNC is in the top ten in tempo while Iowa is 44th. Will the Hawkeyes try to run with the Heels or slow the game down? Iowa has plenty of depth with ten players averaging over 10 minutes per game and no one playing over 27 minutes per game. Given the depth on both teams, an up tempo game probably won't wear either team down.
This is also a game between two teams that don't depend on the three. Iowa has just two legitimate three point shooters. Uthoff has hit 14-29 this season from three and Anthony Clemmons is 9-20. 33.3% of Iowa's FG attempts are three point shots compared to just 25% for UNC. Based on the numbers, this game will likely be decided by the big men.