http://www.bevoball.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/jcb-300×198.jpgWhen the Texas Longhorns take the court tonight at Dean Smith Arena in Chapel Hill they will be facing a North Carolina team that means business. Texas has beaten the Tarheels the last four meetings between the two schools, including a thrilling 78-76 victory in Greensborough last year courtesy of a Cory Joseph jumper with 1.4 seconds left. Yeah, Roy Williams is thinking Revenge. North Carolina is 7-0 this season at home and have the #1 rebounding team in the NCAA, largely thanks to Tarheel big men Tyler Zeller (7’0) and John Henson (6’11). Conversely Texas has won 7 straight including a huge 77-65 win over the Temple Owls last Saturday in Austin.  Junior guard J’Covan Brown scored 23 to lead Texas against the Owls. A victory over North Carolina tonight would add another impressive non-conference win to the Longhorn tournament resume.
Texas starts three freshmen including heralded point guard Myck Kabongo who has contributed greatly to Texas’ success on the court this season. Texas has been a decent rebounding team thus far, and the Longhorns are going to have to fight and scrape for every board tonight if they hope to have a shot at winning. North Carolina’s 3 point shot percentage is miserable so look for the Tarheels to push the ball inside at every opportunity.
For those interested in the line in tonight’s game: North Carolina -12. I expect this game to be much closer. Like North Carolina, Texas is a young, hungry team out to prove a point. Look for the outcome of this game to be decided in the final minutes. Texas must strongarm the boards to keep this one close though.
