UNC will face one of their toughest challenges so far this season when they host 4th ranked Gonzaga 7pm Saturday night at the Dean Dome. Here’s everything you need to know about the matchup.
Game Notes:
- The 7-2 Tar Heels play host to 9-1 Gonzaga the day after exams end at Carolina. Carolina has been idle since beating UNCW, 97-69, in the Smith Center on 12/5.
- The game features two of the top six coaches in all-time win percentage. Mark Few is third (.821) and Roy Williams is sixth (.788). Williams is second behind Adolph Rupp among coach- es with at least 1,000 games as a head coach.
- This is the first time Carolina has played two AP top-10 opponents in the first 10 games of the season since 2013-14, when the Tar Heels beat No. 3 Louisville in Uncasville, Conn., and No. 1 Michigan State in East Lansing.
- Carolina is 26-22 all-time when playing host to an AP top-five opponent. That includes a 6-1 record against top-five non-ACC opponents at home. The Tar Heels are 4-1 in the Smith Center; Roy Williams is 3-0 in such games with wins over UConn, Ohio State and Maryland.
- Fans are asked to bring NEW toys to the Gonzaga game for Toys 4 Tots. This year, the toys will be given to children and families not only in Orange County, but also to families from the eastern North Carolina counties most devastated by Hurricane Florence.
Who to Watch:
- Gonzaga’s Rui Hachimura is a 3rd year forward from Japan who has led the Bullsdogs in points this season, averaging 22.2 a game. He is a projected NBA lottery pick.
- Gonzaga’s Zach Norvell Jr is a versatile guard who can shoot it from three or take it to the hole off the dribble. He’s the Bulldog’s 2nd leading scorer and one of their energy guys.
- Tar Heel freshmen guard Coby White has had an impressive season so far. Before resting a sore ankle in the Tar Heels win against UNCW, he’d averaged 21 points in UNC’s previous three contests – including 33 against Texas. Expect him to be back on the court tonight.
- Nassir Little is one of the Tar Heels’ most talented players and his spark off the bench has been invaluable. Expect Roy to give him more burn than usual in order to infuse more speed and athleticism into his rotation against a veteran and disciplined team.
Statistical Comparison:
How to Watch:
TV: ESPN2 (Jon Sciambi, Dick Vitale, Allison Williams)
RADIO: Tar Heel Sports Properties (Jones Angell, Eric Montross)
SATELLITE RADIO: Sirius 119, XM 193, Internet 955
LIVE STREAM: WatchESPN