Tar Heels Tackle SMU in ACC Road Opener Saturday
The North Carolina Tar Heels will face the SMU Mustangs on January 3, marking their first Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) road game of the season. The match is set to begin at 2:15 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on The CW, featuring commentators Thom Brennaman and Mike Gminski.
Tar Heels’ Current Season Performance
The Tar Heels enter this clash with a strong record of 13 wins and just 1 loss, having achieved this start for the first time since the 2008-09 season. They currently hold the 12th spot in the Associated Press poll and rank 18th in the NCAA NET standings.
Last year, North Carolina triumphed over SMU with an 82-67 victory in Chapel Hill, marking their inaugural ACC meeting. This Saturday’s game is crucial as the Tar Heels look to maintain their momentum and build on their previous performances.
Upcoming Schedule
- Against SMU: January 3
- At Stanford: January 14
- At Cal: January 17
Over the coming weeks, Carolina will compete against all three of the ACC’s newest members, facing Stanford and California on the road.
Defensive and Offensive Statistics
- Field Goal Percentage Defense: 36.1% (3rd in the nation)
- Fastbreak Points Allowed: 5.9 per game (1st in ACC)
- Average Points Allowed: 63.7 per game (1st in ACC)
- Scoring Average: 79.1 points per game
SMU ranks first in the ACC for fastbreak points (16.5 per game), while Carolina excels at limiting opponents’ scoring, having not allowed more than 74 points in any game this season.
Key Players to Watch
Freshman forward Caleb Wilson has made headlines with his impressive performance. He is averaging 19.8 points and 11.2 rebounds, leading the team in both categories. He recently scored 22 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, and two blocks against Florida State, setting multiple records for a freshman at UNC.
Junior center Henri Veesaar has also been pivotal for Carolina, contributing significantly to both scoring and defense. Veesaar is averaging 16.5 points per game, with a shooting accuracy of 65.2% from the field.
Historical Context
This game is significant for both teams. It marks UNC’s first official ACC game against SMU in Dallas, with the Tar Heels having previously played only a few games in the city. The matchup is part of Carolina’s ongoing quest to maintain its historical dominance in the ACC, celebrated for its multiple championships and a rich legacy.
The Tar Heels will look to enhance their winning streak against a competitive SMU team as they navigate the challenging ACC schedule. With key players stepping up, fans are eager to see if Carolina can continue its successful run on the road.
