UNC Preview

UNC comes into this game off of a Semifinal loss to Gonzaga. The Tar Heels got off to a fast start, but allowed the Bulldogs to come back and take the lead into the half. The Bulldogs built upon that lead and obtained a 14 point lead at one point in the second half. The young Tar Heels were able fight back though, without help from their star center, and closed to within 2 in the final minutes before the Bulldogs pulled away. UNC was led by Tennessee product Brandan Wright with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Both Hansbrough and Wright lead this Tar Heel team combining for 35 points and 16.1 rebounds per game. It is quite obvious that the team runs through the post for the Tar Heels. Despite having 5 players over 6’8” on the team, really only 3 play in Hansbrough, Wright, and Terry. An impressive stat for the Tar Heels is their 59 offensive rebounds this season, resulting in rebounding 45% of their misses. The Vols also counter with the same stat, rebounding 45% of their misses as well.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

This game will be won or lost in the paint. The Vols and Tar Heels both like to push the ball, but in different styles. The Vols will want to try and create a fast uptempo game, to try to wear out both Wright and Hansbrough, who both average close to 30 minutes a game. Despite playing 9 players over 10 minutes per game, only 3 are over 6’8”. If the Vols are able to contain Wright and Hansbrough, they will have a chance to win this game. Matchup to watch for: Tyler Hansbrough vs. Chris Lofton. I know, those two will never go against each other, but both struggled on Wednesday night in the Semifinals. Hansbrough was limited to 9 points and 9 rebounds, while Lofton struggled from the field, often passing up looks to focus on driving to the basket. Lofton finished the game with 8 points on 3-9 shooting with 5 turnovers. Both will be trying to redeem themselves in this game. Hansbrough crashes the boards hard, pulling in 4 offensive rebounds per game, 45% of his total rebounds for the year. Crews and Chism will have to play sound defense and stay out of foul trouble against Hansbrough, and limit his offensive put backs. Lofton will have to resume his shooting from last year. He needs to realize that he is the offense on this team, and he needs to start looking for it. The Vols will have to try to limit their turnovers against the Tar Heels, because if they don’t, UNC will take advantage and put the game away. Look for a high scoring game in the 80’s, and for UNC to win by 8 with UT struggling with turnovers again.

Projected Starting Lineups:

VISITORS

PG – 6’3” #4 Bobby Frasor
SG – 6’4” #2 Wayne Ellington
SF – 6’8” #3 Reyshawn Terry
PF – 6’9” #34 Brandan Wright
C – 6’9” #50 Tyler Hansbrough

Tennessee

PG – 6’2” #12 Ramar Smith
SG – 6’2” #5 Chris Lofton
SF – 6’2” #2 JaJuan Smith
PF – 6’4” #23 Dane Bradshaw
C – 6’7” #32 Duke Crews