Game Preview: North Carolina Tar Heels vs Texas Longhorns

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2009

#10 North Carolina Tar Heels (8-2) v #2 Texas Longhorns (9-0)

The No. 2 Texas Longhorns will host the No.10 North Carolina Tar Heels on Saturday at future Final Four site –Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Since 1980, Texas has played North Carolina four times with the series history tied 2-2. The last time these two teams met was on Mar. 20, 2004. The Longhorns edged out a 78-75 win.

So just how good is UNC post Tyler Hansbrough? Pretty darn good and still as dangerous. The Tar Heels are coming off a 103-64 thumping of Presbyterian even without two key members of its backcourt. Their only losses have come by way of No. 7 Syracuse, and a close 68-66 loss against No. 4 Kentucky. The Heels were with out senior Marcus Ginyard, and freshman guard Dexter Strickland, both who are sidelined with injuries in their last outing. Sophomore Justin Watts and senior Marc Campbell were called upon and played key roles in the victory over Presbyterian. Watts had nine points and three assists and Campbell posted three points and three assists. Senior forward Deon Thompson, the only returning starter from last season’s national championship team, lead the team with 19 points in the win. He was 7-of-10 from the field and also had six rebounds.

Can the Longhorns preserve their undefeated record? They are currently ranked No. 2 behind Big 12 rival Kansas, and have earned it by winning all of their first nine contests by double-digit margins — an average of 31.6 points per game. Texas’ last victory was a 104-42 pounding of Texas-Pan American on Tuesday night. The Longhorns received outstanding performances from five different players. Freshman Avery Bradley scored a season-high 18 points and had five assists, followed by Jordan Hamilton with 15 points, Dexter Pittman with 14 points and seven rebounds; while Gary Johnson added 12 points and Justin Mason had 10 in the win.

Odds makers have the Texas Long Horns at a -6 1/2 point favorite.

Texas is firing on all cylinders while UNC will likely still be without two key players for Saturday’s big match up. This will be close with the Longhorns edging out a win in the closing minutes.