The University of North Carolina Tar Heels men’s basketball team is set to face the Georgetown Hoyas this Sunday, December 7, in a highly anticipated ACC-Big East matchup. The game, taking place at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, is scheduled for 5 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN.
Game Preview
The Tar Heels enter the contest with a record of 7-1 and are currently ranked 15th in the NCAA NET rankings. In their last outing, they secured a thrilling 67-64 victory against the 18th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats on December 2, showcasing a standout performance from freshman point guard Derek Dixon.
Recent Performance
- Carolina has achieved four wins on the road against ranked opponents during head coach Hubert Davis’s tenure.
- The team has defeated both Kansas and Kentucky in the same season for the first time since the 1981-82 campaign.
- UNC has recorded 2,402 total wins, joining only Kentucky and Kansas as programs with over 2,400 victories in college basketball history.
Historical Context Against Georgetown
This game marks the first matchup between the two teams since March 25, 2007, when Georgetown won 96-84 in the NCAA East Region final. Historically, UNC has a 4-5 record against the Hoyas.
Notable Historical Matches
- Carolina’s last win against Georgetown was on November 23, 1999, during the Maui Invitational.
- The teams met during the 1982 NCAA championship game, where the Tar Heels won 63-62, led by James Worthy and Michael Jordan.
Tar Heels to Watch
Joshua Wilson and Henri Veesaar are pivotal players for Carolina this season. Wilson, a freshman forward, is averaging an impressive 19.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game, making him a key standout among his peers. Meanwhile, Veesaar, a junior center, contributes significantly with 16.0 points and 8.5 rebounds while leading the team in shooting percentage at 64.9%.
Key Player Statistics
| Player | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game |
|---|---|---|
| Caleb Wilson | 19.3 | 10.1 |
| Henri Veesaar | 16.0 | 8.5 |
Game Logistics
The Georgetown matchup is part of a challenging four-game stretch for the Tar Heels. The combined record of their recent opponents stands at an impressive 27-6. With the addition of retro uniforms for the game, excitement is building among the Carolina fan base.
As the Tar Heels prepare to face Georgetown, they aim to continue their strong season. Fans anticipate an electrifying game at the Smith Center as UNC seeks to strengthen their 2023-24 campaign.
