North Carolina, ranked No. 12, is set to face East Tennessee State University (ETSU) in a highly anticipated college basketball matchup. The game will take place at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, on Tuesday, December 16, at 8 p.m., and will be broadcasted on ACC Network with Jay Alter and Terrence Oglesby providing commentary.
In their previous game over the weekend, the Tar Heels recorded a convincing 80-62 victory against USC Upstate. Junior guard Jonathan Powell was a standout performer, contributing a career-high 17 points off the bench, while Caleb Wilson added 20 points and 11 rebounds. North Carolina showcased its shooting skills, hitting 10 out of 23 from beyond the arc and 50.9% overall. However, concerns persist about the team’s rebounding, as they allowed 11 offensive rebounds, a trend coach Hubert Davis is eager to rectify moving forward.
ETSU enters this contest coming off a narrow defeat to Austin Peay, losing 76-75 in a tightly contested game. This marks the Buccaneers’ third loss of the season, with their other two coming against Dayton and Presbyterian. Despite this, ETSU has proven to be a force at home, boasting a perfect 7-0 record on its own court. The team has notable victories against opponents like Morehead State, South Alabama, and Central Arkansas, the latter of which UNC defeated decisively in their season opener.
Under the leadership of head coach Brooks Savage, now in his third season, ETSU has also demonstrated a balanced scoring approach, with key contributors such as Cam Morris (14.2 points per game), Brian Taylor (13.7 ppg), and Blake Burkley (12.2 ppg). The Buccaneers utilize a deep rotation with 11 players logging significant minutes. Nonetheless, their lack of a dominant center contributes to challenges on the boards, allowing an average of 37 rebounds per game, a statistic that could be exploited by North Carolina’s frontcourt.
Historically, North Carolina has been dominant against ETSU, winning all six previous encounters. The last time these teams met was in 2012 when the Tar Heels triumphed 78-55.
As both teams prepare for this contest, the focus will be on North Carolina’s ability to correct its rebounding issues while continuing to capitalize on offensive momentum. ETSU will aim to harness its collective strengths and put forth a strong showing against a highly ranked opponent. This matchup promises not just a test of skill, but also an opportunity for both teams to showcase their determination and depth as they head further into the season.