North Carolina is the last ACC to remain in the NCAA Tournament, as the conference had a less than impressive showing this weekend.
The Tar Heels had a scare of their own in the Round of 32, as they had to battle back from a late 5-point deficit to take home the 72-65 win against Arkansas.
Now they move on to the Sweet 16 to face the Butler Bulldogs, as team that is 25-8 on the season and has had some impressive wins against Arizona, Cincinnati, Indiana, Villanova (twice), and Xavier, all which were ranked at the time. They were able to cruise by Winthrop in the first round and had a solid showing against Middle Tennessee in the Round of 32.
The winner will take on the winner of UCLA-Kentucky in the Elite Eight over the upcoming weekend.
North Carolina
Record: 29-7 overall
Defeated: Texas Southern (Round 64), Arkansas (Round of 32)
Key Factors to Watch:
When you watch the game against Arkansas, North Carolina got out to a strong lead of 17 points in the first few minutes but it was the lack of knocking down shots and the massive amount of turnovers that the Razorbacks were able to create and take advantage.
Playing their pace of game but their ability to hold on to the ball will be key. That also can relate to the health of Joel Berry, who struggled at times in the game against Arkansas coming off his ankle injury.
Butler also shoots the ball very well, especially from deep so far in the NCAA Tournament. After two games, the Bulldogs are shooting 47.1 percent from three, fourth best with the teams remaining in the tournament.
The Bulldogs have had the Tar Heels number and really controlled the game in the last five seasons, as UNC has gone 0-2 in the preview matchups. Averaging nearly 80 points in the last five seasons, the Bulldogs have been able to hold the Tar Heels to 68.5 points per game and 29 percent offensive rebounding percentage. Playing their style offensively will be key, along with attacking the basket and boards, and shooting the outside shot.
Butler
Record: 25-8
Defeated: Winthrop (Round 64), Middle Tennessee (Round of 32)
Key Factors to Watch:
Butler will have their hands full once again with the Tar Heels in the rebounding category, but it is something they have faced before. Coming into the game, there is an 11 rebound difference a game between the Tar Heels and Butler and we have all heard that UNC rebounds almost 50 percent of their misses, a staggering number. Butler has only allowed 10 offensive rebounds through two games.
One also saw what Arkansas was able to do against the Heels shooting the three-ball, something the Bulldogs have been able to do and has been deadly at times to the Heels throughout the year.
Key player to watch is Kelan Martin, who is a stretch and versatile prospect that could create interesting matchups and will be needed down low on defense against the towers of North Carolina.
