The UNC basketball team will face a tough challenge in the second round of the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament, as they will take on the Villanova Wildcats on Thursday, Nov. 23. The Tar Heels and the Wildcats are both former national champions, having won the title in 2017 and 2018, respectively. Both teams are also ranked in the top 10 of the AP poll, with UNC at No. 6 and Villanova at No. 4. This game will be a test of strength and skill for both programs, as they look to prove themselves as contenders for the 2023-24 season.
UNC Basketball: How the Tar Heels Got Here
The Tar Heels opened their season with a dominant 90-68 win over Lehigh on Nov. 9, led by sophomore guard Caleb Love, who scored 22 points and dished out seven assists. Love also wore a pair of custom-made shoes with the words “Tar Heel” on them, showing his pride and loyalty to the program. UNC then faced off against Northern Iowa in the first round of the Battle 4 Atlantis on Nov. 22 and cruised to a 79-58 victory. Love again led the team with 18 points, while senior forward Armando Bacot added 16 points and 10 rebounds. The Tar Heels shot 50% from the field and 40% from the three-point line, while holding the Panthers to 35% and 26%, respectively.
UNC basketball coach Hubert Davis praised his team’s performance, saying that they played with “energy, effort, and enthusiasm”. He also said that he was happy with the balance and depth of his team, as 10 players scored and nine players played at least 10 minutes. Davis, who is in his first season as the head coach after replacing the legendary Roy Williams, said that he is enjoying the experience and learning from his players every day.
Villanova Basketball: How the Wildcats Got Here
The Wildcats also started their season with a convincing win, defeating Mount St. Mary’s 91-51 on Nov. 9. Senior guard Collin Gillespie, who returned for a fifth year after suffering a season-ending knee injury last year, scored 19 points and had six assists. Gillespie is the leader and the heart of the team, according to Villanova coach Jay Wright, who said that he is “one of the best players in the country”. Villanova then faced Texas Tech in the first round of the Battle 4 Atlantis on Nov. 22 and pulled off a 72-64 win. Gillespie again led the team with 18 points, while junior forward Jermaine Samuels added 17 points and nine rebounds. The Wildcats overcame a slow start and a 10-point deficit in the second half, thanks to their defense and their free-throw shooting. Villanova held the Red Raiders to 38% shooting and made 21 of 24 free throws.
Wright said that he was proud of his team’s resilience and toughness, especially against a physical and aggressive Texas Tech team. He also said that he was impressed by the atmosphere and the competition in the Battle 4 Atlantis, calling it “a great tournament”.
UNC Basketball vs. Villanova Basketball: What to Expect
The game between UNC and Villanova will be a clash of styles and philosophies, as both teams have different strengths and weaknesses. The Tar Heels are known for their fast-paced and high-scoring offense, as they average 84.5 points per game and rank second in the nation in offensive efficiency, according to KenPom.com. They also have a size advantage over the Wildcats, as they have four players who are 6-foot-10 or taller, including Bacot, who averages 15.5 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. The Tar Heels also have a deep and talented backcourt, led by Love, who averages 20 points and 5.5 assists per game. Love is joined by senior guard RJ Davis, who averages 13.5 points and 4.5 assists per game, and freshman guard Dawson Garcia, who averages 11 points and 5.5 rebounds per game.
The Wildcats, on the other hand, are known for their disciplined and efficient offense, as they average 81.5 points per game and rank fourth in the nation in offensive efficiency, according to KenPom.com. They also have a balanced and experienced lineup, as they have five players who average double-digit points, led by Gillespie, who averages 18.5 points and 5.5 assists per game. Gillespie is joined by senior guard Justin Moore, who averages 15.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, and Samuels, who averages 14 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. The Wildcats also have a sharp-shooting and versatile forward in sophomore Brandon Slater, who averages 10.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 67% from the field and 50% from the three-point line.
The key factors that will determine the outcome of the game are the tempo, the rebounding, and the turnovers. The Tar Heels will try to push the pace and score in transition, while the Wildcats will try to slow the game down and execute in the half-court. The Tar Heels will also try to exploit their size and dominate the boards, while the Wildcats will try to box out and limit the second-chance points. The Tar Heels will also try to pressure the Wildcats and force them into mistakes, while the Wildcats will try to take care of the ball and make smart decisions.
UNC Basketball vs. Villanova Basketball: Prediction
This game will be a close and competitive one, as both teams are well-coached and talented. The Tar Heels have the edge in athleticism and depth, while the Wildcats have the edge in experience and shooting. The game will likely come down to the final minutes, and the team that makes the clutch plays and the free throws will win. Based on their recent performances and their history, the prediction is that Villanova will edge out UNC by a narrow margin, 78-75.
