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UNC basketball’s hunt for a fifth championship at the Maui Invitational starts Monday (11:30 p.m., ESPN2) against Dayton at the Lahaina Civic Center in Hawaii.
Coming off a double-digit win against previously unbeaten Hawaii in Honolulu, the 10th-ranked Tar Heels (3-1) will try to take down the undefeated Flyers (5-0) in the nightcap of the opening day in Lahaina.
UNC is playing in the tournament for the eighth time, aiming to match rival Duke (5) for the most titles in the event’s history. Dayton won the Maui Invitational in 2003 and made it to the title game in 2019.
Where UNC has to improve at Maui Invitational
The Heels and Flyers are meeting for the fourth time and the first time in 15 seasons. Overall, UNC is 1-2 against Dayton, losing both games in a tournament setting.
The winner of Monday’s game, the last of four quarterfinal matchups to open the three-day Maui Invitational, will face No. 4 Auburn (3-0) or No. 3 Iowa State (2-0) in the semifinals on Tuesday (11 p.m., ESPN).
Here are some other things to know and a score prediction for the Tar Heels’ opening game of the Maui Invitational:
UNC basketball history at Maui Invitational in Hawaii
Paradise has treated the Tar Heels well. Overall, UNC has won 35 of its 40 games in Hawaii, including an 18-3 record in Maui, and four Maui Invitational championships. Following each of those titles (1999, 2004, 2008, 2016), UNC went on to play in the Final Four, winning the national championship in the last three of those seasons. As one of four top-10 teams competing in the 2024 edition, the Tar Heels have a tough task, but history is on the Heels’ side.
Rebounding remains top priority for Hubert Davis, Tar Heels
Rebounding. That will continue to be the Tar Heels’ top priority, something head coach Hubert Davis emphasizes after every game. In its win at Hawaii, UNC was outrebounded for the first time this season (40-27), allowing 15 offensive rebounds. The Tar Heels and Dayton are averaging 39 rebounds per game, but UNC is…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/unc-basketball-vs-dayton-maui-110234707.html
Author : The Fayetteville Observer
Publish date : 2024-11-24 11:02:00
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