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Previewing UNC basketball vs. UCLA in CBS Sports Classic

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Previewing UNC basketball vs. UCLA in CBS Sports Classic

The North Carolina Tar Heels were four minutes away from one of the biggest upsets in college basketball on Tuesday night, but they allowed Florida to pull back ahead and win, 90-84.

UNC’s (6-5, 1-0 ACC) struggles to close out games continued, highlighted on Tuesday by its inability to box out. With its loss, North Carolina fell to 1-5 against ranked teams.

The Tar Heels now turn their attention to another ranked team. On Saturday, December 21 at 3 p.m. under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, UNC will face 10-1 UCLA. The Bruins, currently ranked 18th in the latest AP Poll, are winners of their past nine games.

North Carolina’s opportunities for Quad 1 victories, which are paramount come Selection Sunday in March, are slipping away. You could call Saturday a must-win for the Tar Heels, as they won’t face a ranked team again until Saturday, February 1, 2025 at archrival Duke.

In his postgame press conference Tuesday night, UNC head coach Hubert Davis emphasized how his guys need to play a complete 40 minutes. North Carolina struggled mightily in the first half against Florida, falling behind by 17, but roared back to outscore the Gators – and nearly win – in the second half.

The Tar Heels show potential at times, but their struggles far outweigh their potential. UCLA brings a shutdown defense – and electric offense – into Saturday’s showdown.

Make sure you keep reading below, as we give you several areas to keep an eye on, ahead of what we all hope is a massive win for UNC.

Key to victory for UNC

Dec 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Florida Gators forward Sam Alexis (4) goes for a dunk against North Carolina Tar Heels forward Ven-Allen Lubin (22) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

The Tar Heels’ key to victory comes down to an area that won them so many games a season ago – and has in past successful years: rebounding.

North Carolina’s issue isn’t an inability to rebound, but its lack of height. UNC’s tallest starter is a physical, 6’8″ Ven-Allen Lubin, but when he goes up against 6’11” guys like Cliff Omoruyi and Alex Condon, it’s tough to make up that height difference.

Florida out-rebounded UNC, 46-36, on Tuesday night. UCLA’s height is more in line with the Tar Heels’, but the Bruins have a 7’3″ center in Aday Mara and a 6’10” forward in Devin Williams.

North Carolina has to find ways to control the boards – and get second-chance points on the offensive glass. If UNC can do both, it’ll exit New York City with its greatest win of the season.

Keep an eye on

Dec 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard RJ Davis (4) drives to the basket against Florida Gators forward Alex Condon (21) during the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

We’ve already alluded to it plenty of times this season, earlier in our preview and you’ve witnessed it from watching games: Slow starts doom UNC.

On Tuesday against Florida, the Tar Heels trailed by 17 points in the first half. North Carolina entered the break down 12, but after taking the early lead on a Drake Powell jumper, its offense went cold.

UNC is a second-half team. I’m glad the Tar Heels know how to finish games, but they struggle to start games.

If North Carolina can put together a complete performance against UCLA, a victory isn’t out of the question. The Bruins are one of the country’s elite – and they have a great defense – so don’t expect anything easy.

Everything you need to know

Dec 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jalen Washington (13) takes a shot against the Florida Gators during the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

What: North Carolina vs. UCLA

When: Saturday, Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. ET

Where: Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY

TV: CBS

Radio: Sirius XM (Channel 193 and 388)

Last Meeting: March 25, 2022 in NCAA Tournament – UNC 73, UCLA 66

All-Time Series: UNC leads, 11-3

Prediction: North Carolina 72, UCLA 69

Statistical Leaders

Dec 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) goes to the basket against Florida Gators center Rueben Chinyelu (9) during the first half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

North Carolina Points: RJ Davis, G, 18.6 points per game

North Carolina Rebounds: Seth Trimble, G, 4.9 rebounds per game

North Carolina Assists: Elliot Cadeau, G, 5.7 assists per game

UCLA Points: Tyler Bilodeau, F, 14.1 points per game

UCLA Rebounds: Tyler Bilodeau, F, 5.5 rebounds per game

UCLA Assists: Kobe Johnson, G, 3.6 assists per game

Last five meetings

Mar 25, 2022; Philadelphia, PA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Armando Bacot (5) celebrates after the North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the UCLA Bruins in the semifinals of the East regional of the men’s college basketball NCAA Tournament at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Mitchell Leff-USA TODAY Sports

3/25/2022 – Philadelphia, Pa. – W, 73-66

12/21/2019 – Las Vegas, Nev. – W, 74-64

11/23/2018 – Las Vegas, Nev. – W, 94-78

12/19/2015 – Brooklyn, NY – W, 89-76

11/27/2014 – Paradise Island, Bahamas – W, 78-56

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