UNC Ready to Build Momentum Against Campbell in Nonconference Finale

The North Carolina Tar Heels are back on the court Sunday night, hosting in-state rival Campbell for their last nonconference game of the season. After a huge win over UCLA, UNC is looking to keep the good vibes rolling and fine-tune their game before diving into ACC play.

UNC Riding High After Beating UCLA

UNC (7-5) heads into this game with a fresh dose of confidence. They pulled off an impressive comeback win against then-No. 18 UCLA on Dec. 21, marking their first victory over a ranked opponent this season. It was a huge moment for a team that’s had its fair share of struggles in tight games.

“It’s because we’ve been in those situations against really good competition that we had the confidence to come back”

-Hubert Davis

The Tar Heels have had an up-and-down start to the season, but they’re starting to find their rhythm, winning three of their last four games.

A New Look for UNC

Coach Davis has hinted at some changes, suggesting we might see more four-guard lineups—a shift from UNC’s traditional post-heavy style.

“We may not have tremendous size, but we do have athleticism,” Davis said, pointing out the team’s ability to adapt.

One player thriving in this setup? Freshman guard Ian Jackson. He dropped a season-high 24 points, including three clutch 3-pointers, in the win over UCLA. Meanwhile, senior guard RJ Davis is embracing the grind of the season, comparing the tough schedule to March Madness.

“These first 12 games, it feels like we’ve been in March Madness games but that’s what it’s going to be like at the end of the year.” –RJ Davis

Campbell Looking to Learn

On the flip side, Campbell (5-7) comes into this game trying to shake off a two-game losing streak. The Camels have had a tough schedule, but head coach Kevin McGeehan sees these challenges as a chance to grow.

“We believe that will help strengthen us to compete at a high level in CAA play,” McGeehan said.

Campbell has already faced heavyweights like Virginia and Ohio State, and now they’ll take on UNC as they prepare for Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) play.

• Key Player to Watch: Jasin Sinani leads the team with 12.4 points per game. While the Camels have been shuffling their lineup, Sinani has been a steady presence alongside Nolan Dorsey and Cam Gregory.

What to Watch For

1. UNC’s Adjustments:
   Keep an eye on how the Tar Heels handle the four-guard lineup. It’s a new look, but it could give them a big edge moving forward.
2. Ian Jackson’s Breakout:
   The freshman is heating up, and this game is another chance for him to shine.
3. Campbell’s Resilience:
   The Camels might be the underdogs, but they’re focused on gaining experience and staying competitive.

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What’s at Stake

For UNC, this game is about keeping their momentum alive and ironing out any wrinkles before ACC play starts. With three of their next four games on the road, getting into a groove now is crucial.

For Campbell, it’s a chance to measure themselves against a top-tier opponent and prepare for what’s ahead in conference play.

Final Thoughts

This game is less about the score and more about growth for both teams. For the Tar Heels, it’s a chance to build on their UCLA win and sharpen their strategies. For the Camels, it’s all about gaining confidence and learning from the best. Either way, it’s going to be an interesting matchup with plenty of takeaways for both programs.