UNC takes on skidding Miami Team

Virginia v North Carolina — Source: Peyton Williams / Getty

by Sharon Thorsland

North Carolina is looking to remain hot as the Tar Heels take on Miami in Chapel Hill Saturday. The Heels (18-11, 11-6 ACC) have won four straight after an impressive performance over FSU Monday night. Miami is having an awful season. The Hurricanes are just 6-22 on the year, 2-15 in conference play. Tip-off is set for noon on WBT.

It’s been a nightmare of a season for the Hurricanes, who saw their longtime coach Jim Larranaga abruptly step down in December. Star guard Nijel Pack hasn’t played since a late 2024 injury, and Matthew Cleveland and center Lynn Kidd are the only players scoring in double-digits. Cleveland has missed the past two games due to injury as well, leaving the Canes without their top two scorers.

The Hurricanes are the worst defensive team in the ACC, giving up 80.3 points per game. And they don’t have a lot of height, as Kidd is the only Miami player 6’10 or taller.

UNC has won seven of the last nine games against the Hurricanes, including both matchups last season. The Canes are winless on the road this season, but they are certainly capable of making life difficult for the Tar Heels, who are living life on the NCAA tournament bubble right now. But UNC seems to have found its footing again and should win this one easily. Go Tar Heels!