North Carolina vs. Texas College Basketball Game Preview, Prediction, TV Schedule

By Taylor Sturm
North Carolina Tar Heels Basketball
Evan Pike-USA TODAY Sports

TV Schedule: Saturday, Dec. 12, 5:15 p.m. ET, ESPN

Arena: Frank Erwin Special Events Center, Austin, Texas

The North Carolina Tar Heels have shaken off their upset loss to the Northern Illinois Panthers with four straight wins, including victories over the Maryland Terrapins and Davidson Wildcats. Next up for UNC is a difficult matchup Saturday afternoon with the Texas Longhorns on the road.

Texas has pretty much been what everyone expected them to be coming into the season. The Longhorns have lost every game they played against potential NCAA tournament opposition and only beaten teams that might make the NIT at best. Shaka Smart’s squad has kept it close in these losses, however, thanks to the fantastic play of Isaiah Taylor and Cameron Ridley. The problem for the Longhorns is that no other players are really stepping up to help out with the offensive load, as Texas ranks No. 117 nationally in points per game.

North Carolina should win this game fairly easily behind the play of any one of their six players who are averaging over nine points per game, and especially now that Marcus Paige is back and contributing. It’s hard to point out any one matchup to watch between these teams, because, next to Taylor, UNC seems to have far more talent than the Longhorns all over the court. With Paige back and playing solid minutes, North Carolina looks to once again be the best team in the country.

The Longhorns have yet to lose at home this season, meaning that Texas will legitimately believe they have a shot at pulling off the major upset. But that won’t happen, as Roy Williams and Co. stomp Texas on the road.

Prediction: North Carolina 78, Texas 62

Taylor Sturm is a Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @TSturmRS, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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