The North Carolina Tar Heels need to bounce back from a loss to UVA as they go on the road to face the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Saturday.
The North Carolina Tar Heels are just one game behind the ACC-leading Duke Blue Devils as they look ahead to a matchup with their rivals next week. Having said that, things aren’t looking so great for the Heels as they are both banged up and coming off of a tough loss, falling to the Virginia Cavaliers. Lucky for them, a matchup with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons is next on the docket.
In the loss to UVA, North Carolina saw veteran wing Cam Johnson playing at less than 100 percent, and it showed. Meanwhile, star reserve freshman Nassir Little also exited the game early due to injury. Both are uncertain to play on Saturday, though Johnson is more likely. Even still, resting them and letting the core of Coby White, Luke Maye and Kenny Williams lead the way may be what’s best.
UNC may have that luxury on Saturday because they’ll be taking on a Wake Forest team that has, frankly, been downright abysmal for much of this season. They have been blown out in most of their ACC matchups, save for a shocking upset win over NC State.
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Despite that upset win, even a short-handed North Carolina team should be a heavy favorite over Wake Forest, even if the Tar Heels are on the road. This will be a crucial tune-up game for them as they eye their massive rivalry game with Duke.
TV and Live Stream info
Date: Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019
Start Time: Noon ET
Location: Winston Salem, NC
Arena: Lawrence Joel Coliseum
TV Info: ACC Network
Live Stream: WatchESPN
All told, a matchup with Wake Forest might be just what the doctor ordered for North Carolina sandwiched between matchups against Virginia and Duke. The Tar Heels can likely rest up a bit and get healthier while also getting back on the winning track. Williams and his team couldn’t ask for more from Saturday than that.