Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs North Carolina Tar Heels Picks and Predictions January 4th 2025

North Carolina looks for better execution vs. Notre Dame

North Carolina’s basketball team is no stranger to challenges early in the season. With a mix of promising performances and recurring struggles, the Tar Heels face another pivotal moment as they prepare to take on Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, on Saturday afternoon.

Coach Hubert Davis and his team are determined to bounce back from their recent setbacks and sharpen their execution as they delve deeper into Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play.

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Late-Game Execution: A Lingering Challenge for UNC

The Tar Heels (8-6, 1-1 ACC) suffered an 83-70 loss to Louisville on Wednesday, a game that exposed their ongoing struggles in critical moments. With five minutes remaining, UNC had closed the gap to a single point, 70-69. However, a 13-1 run by Louisville sealed the Tar Heels’ fate.

Coach Davis pointed to poor execution in the game’s closing stages as the key factor in the loss.
“When the game is on the line, that’s when you have to be most disciplined,” Davis explained.
Key areas he emphasized include defensive stops without fouling, rebounding, and running effective offensive sets to secure high-quality shots.

This issue has plagued UNC all season. The Tar Heels have lost three games by six or fewer points to powerhouse opponents like Kansas, Michigan State, and Florida—all Top 25 teams. These missed opportunities have added pressure on the team to deliver as ACC play intensifies.

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Notre Dame: A Team in Transition

Notre Dame (7-6, 1-1 ACC) enters the matchup as a member of the ACC’s crowded middle tier. The Fighting Irish are coming off a 68-62 road loss to Georgia Tech, which ended their three-game winning streak. Despite the setback, Notre Dame has shown flashes of promise under coach Micah Shrewsberry.

A standout performer for the Irish has been forward Tae Davis. The 6-foot-9 sophomore scored a season-high 27 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished out three assists in the Georgia Tech game. His versatility has made him a matchup nightmare for opponents.
“He’s so dynamic that we can use him in a variety of roles,” Shrewsberry said.

Davis is averaging 16.6 points and 5.7 rebounds per game this season, establishing himself as Notre Dame’s go-to player.

UNC’s Bright Spots: Ian Jackson and RJ Davis

While RJ Davis has traditionally been UNC’s offensive leader, freshman guard Ian Jackson has emerged as a significant contributor in recent games. Jackson led the Tar Heels with 23 points against Louisville, marking his third consecutive 20+ point performance. In prior games, he scored 26 points against Campbell and 24 against UCLA, showcasing his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations.

Jackson’s rise adds a new dimension to the Tar Heels’ offense, but the team still needs to find consistency across the board, especially in tight games.

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Key Matchup: Ian Jackson vs. Tae Davis

The clash between UNC’s Jackson and Notre Dame’s Davis promises to be a highlight of Saturday’s game. Both players bring energy and scoring ability, with Jackson thriving on perimeter shooting and Davis dominating in the post and mid-range.

This duel could determine the game’s outcome, especially if the supporting casts for both teams fail to step up.

What’s at Stake?

For UNC, the game represents a chance to regain confidence and build momentum in ACC play. With a postseason berth on the line, every win is critical for the Tar Heels to solidify their NCAA Tournament hopes.

Notre Dame, on the other hand, is looking to establish itself as a competitive force in the ACC under Coach Shrewsberry. A win against UNC would bolster their credibility and improve their standing in the league.

Keys to Victory

North Carolina:

1. Execute in Crunch Time: Improve late-game decision-making and minimize mistakes.
2. Rebound and Defend Without Fouling: Dominate the boards and force Notre Dame into tough shots.
3. Leverage Ian Jackson’s Momentum: Use Jackson’s scoring surge to create early separation.

Notre Dame:

1. Feed Tae Davis: Take advantage of Davis’s versatility and mismatches.
2. Limit UNC’s Second-Chance Opportunities: Control defensive rebounds to keep the Tar Heels from extending possessions.
3. Play Balanced Offense: Avoid over-reliance on Davis by involving other key contributors.

Outlook for Saturday’s Game

Both teams face significant stakes as they vie for a critical ACC win. For UNC, success depends on addressing late-game lapses and turning promising performances into tangible results. Notre Dame, meanwhile, must capitalize on Tae Davis’s leadership and bring a collective effort to challenge the Tar Heels.

The game offers a pivotal opportunity for both squads to shape their seasons—and their postseason aspirations—moving forward.

Conclusion:
As North Carolina and Notre Dame prepare to square off, the spotlight will be on which team can execute better under pressure. Fans can expect a tightly contested game with playoff implications already looming large.