Game Preview: Northern Carolina Central Eagles vs North Carolina Tar Heels

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 11, 2009

Northern Carolina Central Eagles (0-0) vs North Carolina Tar Heels (1-0)

The 100th home opener for the North Carolina Tar Heels ended in an easy 88-72 win over Florida International. UNC shot 55 percent from the field in the game, including 64 percent in the second half. The Tar Heels defense allowed the Golden Panthers to only 33 percent shooting and were fueled by 2008 leading scorer, forward Deon Thompson’s 20 points and 10 rebounds. Although the win is positive, the Heels may have a rough year with tougher opponents as they restock their roster, replacing four exiting starters from the 2009 NCAA championship team. New faces include three 6-10 forwards—John Henson and twins David and Travis Wear. All are considered to be top power forward prospects. Two other newcomers, freshmen Leslie McDonald and Dexter Strickland will fill in the areas in the backcourt and perimeter.

The Eagles will open its third season as a Division I program as part of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference under new head coach and former player, LeVelle Moton. This will be NCCU’s first regular season meeting against the Tar Heels. This is the Eagles second meeting against a defending national champion. The Eagles battled the University of Florida in its first season of Division I competition falling 105-51 in Gainesville, Fla. on Nov. 14, 2007. The Eagles will look to leading returning scorers, sophomore forward Nick Chasten and junior guard Vincent Davis to help improve on the Eagles 4-win 2008 season.

The odds gods currently have the Tar Heels at a whopping –46 point favorite.

The Eagles are outmatched in this contest. This should be an easy win for North Carolina covering the spread. The Tar Heels won’t be tested until they face No.10 Ohio State on Nov. 19.

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Matt Martz is a sports writer for the Bakersfield Californian located in Central California. Blessed is the gambler who expects nothing, for ye shall not be disappointed.