North Carolina Tar Heels vs Stanford Cardinal Picks and Predictions January 18th 2025

North Carolina Brings Defensive Edge Against Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud

The North Carolina Tar Heels continue to define their identity through defense, and Saturday’s matchup against the Stanford Cardinal in Chapel Hill will put their progress to the test. With both teams showcasing standout players and contrasting forms, this non-conference clash promises intrigue and intensity.

UNC: A Defense-First Identity

North Carolina (12-6, 5-1 ACC) has emerged as a defensive powerhouse in recent weeks, winning four straight games while holding each opponent to fewer points than the previous one. This newfound focus on defense has propelled the Tar Heels near the top of the Atlantic Coast Conference standings.

Head coach Hubert Davis has emphasized the importance of commitment to defensive principles, rebounding, and ball security as the team’s foundation for success. “I desperately want them to see and experience what this team will look like,” Davis said.

In their most recent outing, UNC delivered a dominant 79-53 victory over California, stifling Andrej Stojakovic—one of the nation’s top scorers—to just six points, well below his season average.

The Tar Heels’ defense will once again be pivotal as they face Stanford’s Maxime Raynaud, one of the most skilled big men in college basketball.

Stanford: Leaning on Maxime Raynaud

Stanford (11-6, 3-3 Pac-12) is anchored by Maxime Raynaud, a 7-foot-1 Wooden Award contender whose combination of size, skill, and vision makes him a matchup nightmare. Raynaud averages 20.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, ranking among the nation’s leaders in both categories.

Although Raynaud was held to a season-low 14 points in Stanford’s 80-67 loss at Wake Forest, head coach Kyle Smith praised his development. “His decision-making is getting really complete,” Smith said. “That’s dangerous because his skill set’s ridiculous, and now his feel’s starting to evolve.”

Stanford will need Raynaud at his best to overcome North Carolina’s suffocating defense. Guards Jaylen Blakes (14.5 ppg) and Oziyah Sellers (14.3) will also play key roles in complementing Raynaud’s production and challenging UNC’s defensive schemes.

Key Matchups

Maxime Raynaud vs. UNC’s Frontcourt: Raynaud’s versatility will test UNC’s ability to defend in the paint and on the perimeter. How the Tar Heels handle his presence could determine the outcome.

Ian Jackson and RJ Davis vs. Stanford’s Guards: North Carolina’s backcourt, led by Jackson (15.7 ppg) and Davis (17.2 ppg), will clash with Blakes and Sellers in a battle of high-scoring guards.

UNC’s Defensive Focus: With recent success against elite scorers, the Tar Heels’ ability to neutralize Raynaud and disrupt Stanford’s rhythm will be crucial.

History on UNC’s Side

North Carolina has dominated the all-time series against Stanford, winning all 13 previous meetings. The Tar Heels’ defensive consistency, coupled with their offensive firepower, makes them favorites to extend this streak.

For Stanford, Saturday’s game represents an opportunity to bounce back from recent struggles and secure a signature win on the road. With Raynaud leading the charge, the Cardinal will need to overcome history and UNC’s surging defense to prevail.

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What to Watch

As the Tar Heels test their defensive identity against one of the nation’s premier big men, the outcome will hinge on whether UNC can maintain their momentum and discipline. Stanford, on the other hand, must find ways to break through North Carolina’s stingy defense and capitalize on Raynaud’s skillset.

Will North Carolina continue their defensive dominance, or will Stanford and Maxime Raynaud pull off the upset? The stage is set for a compelling showdown in Chapel Hill.