The 2023-2024 college basketball season seems like a dream, particularly when we watched our North Carolina Tar Heels dominate the ACC and earn a top seed in the NCAA Tournament.
NC State also likely calls last year a dream, improbably winning the ACC Tournament and making its first Final Four in 41 years.
On Wednesday, February 19, UNC and State will face off at 7 p.m. inside the Dean Dome. This matchup doesn't carry nearly as many stakes, when compared to January's matchup or the 2024 ACC Tournament Final, with both programs far from the NCAA Tournament.
North Carolina (15-11, 8-6 ACC) barely escaped Raleigh during January's 63-61 victory, with Jalen Washington's block sealing the wild ending. The Tar Heels were playing better basketball during this stretch, with their win over State part of a season-long 4-game winning streak.
UNC is actually a bit closer to March Madness, with a perfect end to the regular season locking its slot in the 68-team field. NC State (10-15, 3-11) has to do the improbable again to make the Big Dance.
The Tar Heels did beat Syracuse on the road Saturday, 88-82, thanks to a much-needed scoring outburst from Ian Jackson and surprise contributions from Jae'Lyn Withers. The Wolfpack beat Boston College, one of just two ACC teams below them, on Saturday to snap a long losing streak.
If you're heading to Chapel Hill for Wednesday's game, have fun and stay safe on what are expected to be icy roads. If you're watching on TV like us, let us give you all the necessary broadcast information below.
North Carolina's outlook is significantly more bleak since the last time it faced NC State, needing wins in virtually every game to make the NCAA Tournament. Despite this, the Tar Heels are a much better team than their rivals entering Wednesday's matchup.
NC State is dealing with an entirely new starting lineup, with the lone exception being 2024 ACC Tournament hero Michael O'Connell. The Wolfpack don't have last year's experience or depth, plus they aren't good away from the Lenovo Center.
UNC wins Wednesday night big, giving fans brief hope that there's more to play for in March.
March 11-15: ACC Tournament (Spectrum Center in Charlotte, NC)
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