In most years, the UNC men’s basketball team–and many of the other top programs in the nation–typically kick off the season with a “tune-up” game against an opponent that is far overmatched.

While it’s true that, in most years, opening the season against a small school like Wofford would fit that definition, that’s not exactly the case this time.

The reason why has to do with last season’s matchup between the two teams in Chapel Hill, which saw the Terriers pull off a shocking 79-75 upset over the fifth-ranked Tar Heels at the Dean Dome on Dec. 20, 2017.

It was an uncharacteristic loss for UNC, which entered that night 3-0 all-time against Wofford.

Reigning Southern Conference Player of the Year Fletcher Magee–who doubles as one of the premier sharpshooters in all of college basketball–scored 27 points that night, and then decided after the season to return to school for the 2018-19 campaign.

The Terriers were picked to finish second in this year’s Southern Conference preseason poll, with Magee and forward Cameron Jackson each earning Preseason All-SOCON honors. Jackson was Wofford’s second-leading scorer against UNC last year, pouring in 18 points to go along with nine rebounds and six blocks in the upset victory.

On top of that, this time UNC will have to make its first ever trip to Spartanburg to play at Richardson Indoor Stadium.

As Magee and Jackson look to increase their program’s profile this year with a second win over the Tar Heels–which will be opening the season on the road for just the fourth time since 1986–UNC will be looking to do anything in its power to keep that from happening.

A veteran core consisting of seniors Luke Maye and Kenny Williams alongside graduate transfer Cameron Johnson will bring important experience to the Tar Heel lineup. Both Maye and Williams started and played at least 32 minutes in that loss to Wofford, while Johnson provided 17 minutes off the bench.

All three are expected to start in this year’s edition, with a strong possibility that they are joined by a pair of freshmen with considerable hype surrounding them–point guard Coby White and wing Nassir Little.

White and Little should provide a much-needed spark with their incredible athleticism, but Wofford’s battle-tested experience could easily make things hard for them in their college debut.

With this in mind, the Tar Heels may have to rely on their experience–the guys seeking revenge–in order to get the job done.

Because if one thing’s for sure about this game, it is in no way, shape or form–a “tune-up.”

 

 

 

Cover photo via Todd Melet

Related Stories
‹
Late Surge Propels No. 8 UNC Past Wofford in Season Opener
After allowing Wofford to erase a 12-point first half deficit and tie the game midway through the second half of Tuesday night’s regular season opener, the eighth-ranked UNC men’s basketball team flexed its muscles down the stretch to defeat the Terriers 78-67 in Spartanburg—avenging an upset loss from last December at the Dean Dome. Senior […]
Fletcher Magee Lifts Wofford to Stunning Upset at Dean Dome Over No. 5 UNC
In a stunning upset Wednesday night at the Dean Smith Center, junior guard Fletcher Magee led the Wofford Terriers past fifth-ranked UNC by a score of 79-75—snapping the Tar Heels’ 23-game home winning streak in the process. The defending national champions entered the night favored by more than 25 points, but Magee—who leads the NCAA […]
With Cole Anthony Injured, Wofford Stuns No. 17 UNC at Carmichael Arena
Playing at Carmichael Arena for the first time since 1986 on Sunday afternoon, the 17th-ranked UNC men’s basketball team was stunned by the Wofford Terriers by a score of 68-64–the second time Wofford has defeated the Tar Heels in Chapel Hill in the last three seasons. Prior to the game, UNC announced that star freshman […]
UNC to Host Wofford at Carmichael Arena in 2019 Matchup
The UNC men’s basketball team announced Thursday that it will host Wofford on Dec. 15 in Carmichael Arena as an attempt to provide a throwback to the glory days of Dean Smith, James Worthy and Michael Jordan. The game is being played in Carmichael because the Dean E. Smith Center — where the Tar Heels have […]
UNC Men's Basketball Rises to No. 16 in Latest AP Poll
After a home win against Notre Dame and a road win at then-No. 14 Virginia, UNC rose six spots in the latest AP Top 25 poll to No. 16 this week. UNC’s six-spot jump is the largest of any team in the poll. After dropping to No. 22 following road losses at unranked Stanford and […]
Art’s Angle: Big Boost
UNC men's basketball's dramatic comeback victory over Virginia could be a turning point for the Tar Heels in solidifying their rotation.
Photo Gallery: UNC at Virginia
UNC came back from a 16-point deficit in the first half to beat No. 14 Virginia 85-80 in Charlottesville Saturday. Check out Chapelboro’s photos of the game from Chance Bragg! Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring […]
UNC Men's Basketball Erases 16-Point Deficit, Upsets No. 14 Virginia in Charlottesville
Despite trailing by 16 points late in the first half, UNC rallied to earn a critical ACC win and upset No. 14 Virginia 85-80 in Charlottesville Saturday afternoon. It is Virginia’s first loss at home this season and just its second in ACC play, and the 16-point comeback is the largest ever by a visiting […]
Chansky's Notebook: The New 'Hoos
Ryan Odom’s Virginia has a more mysterious roster than Tony Bennett put together with starters and subs most casual fans don’t know.
Student Seating, Fan Experience, Wins: UNC Chancellor Comments on Dean Smith Center's Future
UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts addressed members of the media during the most recent meeting of the university’s Board of Trustees Thursday. During his comments, Roberts addressed speculation surrounding the future of the Dean Smith Center, home of the UNC men’s basketball program. Below are Roberts’ full comments on the arena: There is a commitment on […]
›