North Carolina will head on the road again for their fifth game against a ranked opponent this season as they take on the Florida Gators in the Jumpman Invitational. Currently, they are 0-4 against teams currently ranked in the AP Top 25, which makes this game almost a must-win for the Tar Heels and Hubert Davis.
For the Tar Heels, they have won back-to-back games after losing three straight. After a loss to Alabama, the Tar Heels were able to get their first ACC win of the season, beating Georgia Tech. They followed that up with a big win over La Salle a week later. The hope is that UNC can take this momentum into a big showdown on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, the Gators enter this game at 10-0 overall on the season and fresh off a big non-conference win over Arizona State. The Gators are 3-0 against the ACC as well this season with wins over Florida State, Wake Forest and Virginia so far.
Here is a preview of this game and the history of these two teams.
North Carolina Key to Victory
The biggest thing that needs to happen for UNC basketball to have a chance of winning their first top-25 matchup of the season is their ability to shoot outside. This team has been horrid from beyond the three-point line, especially RJ Davis.
For them to come away with a top-10 upset, they are going to need to shoot near 40% from the three-point line which is something this team has yet to do against high-caliber competition this season.
Keep an Eye on
The biggest thing to keep an eye on is Cade Tyson’s involvement moving forward. One of the most fluid parts of the lineup this season has been the forward positions. Jalen Washington and Jae’Lyn Withers started the season. It moved to Jalen Washington and Drake Powell.
Most recently Ven Allen Lubin entered the starting lineup. Now, follow a career night from Cade Tyson, where he fit five threes, how will his role develop going forward. Especially with the key to this game being the Tar Heels’ ability to shoot the ball outside.
Can he become a more pivotal part with the guards struggling to shoot?
Everything You Need to Know
What: North Carolina vs. Florida
When: December 17, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET
Where: Spectrum Center, Charlotte, North Carolina
TV: ESPN
Radio: ESPN
Last Meeting: November 11, 2014 – UNC 75, Florida 64
All-Time Series: UNC 3 – 2 Florida
Prediction: North Carolina 82 – 76 Florida
Statistical Leaders
North Carolina Points: RJ Davis, G, 17.6 points per game
North Carolina Rebounds: Jalen Washington, F, 5.0 points per game
North Carolina Assists: Elliot Cadeau, G, 5.6 assists per game
Florida Points: Walter Clayton Jr, G, 19.1 points per game
Florida Rebounds: Alex Condon, F, 7.1 rebounds per game
Florida Assists: Walter Clayton Jr, G, 3.6 assists per game
Last Five Meetings
11/28/2014 – Paradise Island, Bahamas – W, 75-64
4/1/2000 – Indianapolis, Indiana – L, 71-59
12/18/1965 – Chapel Hill, North Carolina – L, 66-59
12/21/1964 – Gainesville, Florida – W, 73-54
2/13/1926 – Chapel Hill, North Carolina – W, 42-6
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire : Previewing UNC basketball vs. Florida in Jumpman Invitational
