5 Bold Predictions for No. 4 North Carolina vs. No. 5 Arkansas

By Connor Muldowney

5 Bold Predictions: North Carolina vs. Arkansas

North Carolina — Both North Carolina and Arkansas had a tough time getting past the round of 64 against inferior opponents, but both won't be taking anything for granted any longer. These two teams are very talented and before the season began, the Tar Heels were one of a few national title contenders.

Can Arkansas break the Tar Heels' hearts -- or vice versa?

5. Bobby Portis Will Boost Draft Stock With Double-Double

Bobby Portis

5. Bobby Portis Will Boost Draft Stock With Double-Double

Bobby Portis — Portis is already considered a top prospect likely to be picked in the top 20 of the upcoming NBA Draft. With a double-double in the first game against Wofford, scouts are seeing what he can do on the biggest stage. He will record another double-double against a tougher team and make scouts drool over his talent.

4. Marcus Paige Will Have Career Game

Marcus Paige

4. Marcus Paige Will Have Career Game

Marcus Paige — North Carolina will need one heck of a game from Marcus Paige seeing as they have relied heavily upon him all season long -- and he will deliver. Don't be surprised with a 20-plus point performance to go along with a near-10 assists mark.

3. Brice Johnson and Portis Will Have Intense Back & Forth Battle

Brice Johnson

3. Brice Johnson and Portis Will Have Intense Back & Forth Battle

Brice Johnson — Portis is the best big man on Arkansas and Brice Johnson is the best North Carolina has to offer in the post. Johnson was second on the team in scoring this season and first in rebounds, making for a great matchup with Portis. While the two may not be guarding each other for the entirety of the game, they will both have an "anything you can do, I can do better" battle down low.

2. Michael Qualls Will Make Game-Changing Shots Down the Stretch

Michael Qualls

2. Michael Qualls Will Make Game-Changing Shots Down the Stretch

Michael Qualls — Michael Qualls had a solid first game in the tourney and he will follow it up with an electric second half in the round of 32. He missed just one shot in the first game for the Razorbacks and expect that confidence to carry over into this one as he will be the reason for all of the late-second half lead changes.

1. North Carolina Will Pull Out Another Close Win

North Carolina Win

1. North Carolina Will Pull Out Another Close Win

North Carolina Win — North Carolina looked like it was in cruise control in game one against Harvard, but let the Crimson get back into it with a chance to win at the buzzer. This will be yet another nail-biter as the Tar Heels will win with a last-minute bucket to put them ahead for good.

Teams in this article »

North Carolina Tar Heels

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Arkansas Razorbacks

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