Game Preview: UNC vs Texas

Pence's Quick Thoughts

The featured matchup in the ACC on Wednesday night has UNC traveling to Texas in what should be a fascinating game.  Texas boasts the 4th best defensive efficiency in the nation and the best eFG% allowed.  One of their main defensive weapons is the blocked shot, where they average a block on 17% of their defensive possessions (good for 9th in the nation). 

On offense, Texas has been pretty average across the board.  The Longhorns best offense is getting to the free throw line, but they don't shoot free throws particularly well when they get there.

It will be interesting to see how the young UNC roster handles a true road game and an elite defense.  Hard to see the Heels winning this one unless they find a way to get to the free throw line more.

I like Texas to win by 3.

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North Carolina blew out an unranked Texas last season and would appear to have a chance to repeat that performance against a young team that's still finding its way.

The 23rd-ranked Tar Heels, though, didn't have one of their more confident performances last time out and will have to visit the Longhorns for Wednesday night's rematch.

North Carolina snapped a four-game skid to Texas with an 82-63 victory Dec. 21 in Chapel Hill, leading by double digits for much of the final 32 minutes of that game. In the previous three matchups, the Tar Heels (8-2) had to face ranked Longhorns squads.

More from Yahoo Sports

Here’s to hoping the Heels’ aren’t too exhausted after a week of exams to match-up against a defensive-minded Rick Barnes team. Roy was sure to lay into the Boys on their week off after giving up a lead against an over-matched Long Beach State. The week off may have helped some of the team though. Harrison Barnes, who tied a (short) career high of 19 versus LBSU can only benefit from a break in the schedule. The way the frosh has been playing, you can tell he’s been hearing all the critics. After getting into a rhythm last game he may have had a more relaxing week off. If I was Texas, I’d be scared.

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