The University of North Carolina’s men’s basketball team, the Tar Heels, is set to face North Carolina Central University (NC Central) at the Dean E. Smith Center. The game begins at 9 p.m. on Friday, November 14.
Game Details and Broadcast Information
- Time: 9 p.m. ET
- Location: Dean E. Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NC
- Broadcast: ACC Network, with Doug Sherman and Chris Spatola as commentators
Current Team Standings
The Tar Heels enter the game with a perfect record of 3-0 after their recent victory over Radford, where they won 89-74. In contrast, NC Central comes into the matchup with a 1-3 record, following a win against Bluefield State.
Previous Performance
North Carolina Central began its season with three losses on the road against NC State, Virginia, and Appalachian State. Their recent win against Bluefield State marked a positive turn.
Player Highlights and Injuries
In the win against Radford, Luka Bogavac led the Tar Heels with 19 points, supported by Henri Veesaar with 18 points, Jarin Stevenson with 15 points, and freshman Caleb Wilson, who achieved a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. However, Carolina will be without guard Seth Trimble, who is sidelined due to a wrist injury.
Historical Context and Series Overview
This matchup marks the fourth time in five seasons that Carolina has started 3-0. Notably, it is the first time since the 1918-19 season that UNC has opened its season with five consecutive home games.
Historically, the Tar Heels hold a 3-0 record against NC Central, with all previous games played in the Smith Center.
Tar Heels’ Milestones
- UNC needs two more wins to reach 2,400 all-time victories, joining Kentucky and Kansas.
- The team is eight wins away from achieving 500 victories in the Smith Center.
- As of the current season, Carolina boasts a 492-90 record in the venue.
Caleb Wilson’s Impact
Freshman Caleb Wilson has made a notable entrance into the team, averaging 19.7 points in the first three games. His performances earned him recognition as National Player of the Week and Co-ACC Player and Rookie of the Week during the opening week of the season.
Looking Ahead
The Tar Heels are focused on continuing their winning streak and solidifying their position in the preseason rankings as they prepare for this critical matchup. With their current momentum, they aim to maintain their home-court advantage against NC Central.
