North Carolina vs. Indiana Prediction – Who’s Got Next
North Carolina vs. Indiana prediction and preview. Who’s Got Next analyzes the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 matchup between the Tar Heels and Hoosiers.
North Carolina vs. Indiana prediction and preview. Who’s Got Next analyzes the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16 matchup between the Tar Heels and Hoosiers.
How they got here
North Carolina beat No. 16 83-67 in the round, beat No. 9 Providence 85-66 in second round; Indiana beat No. 12 Chattanooga 99-74 in first round, beat No. 4 Kentucky 73-67 in second round
Why North Carolina will win
North Carolina’s length will create a lot of issues for the Hoosiers inside. Forwards Brice Johnson and Kennedy Meeks are long and strong, and they don’t try to do too much with the ball. Forward Isaiah Hicks comes off the bench and gives UNC another big who can bang with anyone. Johnson is the star of the show, a double-double machine whose quickness will be a problem for IU’s Thomas Bryant. Johnson also is a rim protector who will alter shots at the bucket. Forward Justin Jackson and guards Marcus Paige and Joel Berry II all can knock down the open jumper, and they’re all solid passers and rebounders. When UNC is sending guys to the glass on defense and keeping the ball moving on offense, the Tar Heels are among the best teams in the country.
Why Indiana will win
The Hoosiers have turned things around on the defensive end, and their win over Kentucky in the second round is a huge confidence booster. But IU can’t suffer a letdown vs. North Carolina. Guard Yogi Ferrell can take over games, and he will have to be a rudder for Indiana. Center Thomas Bryant will have his hands full with Brice Johnson inside, and he better be ready for a physical game. The X-factors are forwards Troy Williams and O.G. Anunoby. If Anunoby is active, he brings a different dimension to the Indiana lineup. Williams, meanwhile, needs to recognize his limitations and not put himself in a position to turn the ball over. The Hoosiers also need to knock down some early threes to stretch the defense and open the floor. Valuing the ball vs. UNC’s tough defense will be big.
North Carolina vs. Indiana Prediction
Indiana’s outside shooting and overall offensive skill will allow them to beat any team in country, and the Hoosiers can neutralize UNC’s size by draining threes. The Yogi Ferrell-Marcus Paige matchup will be fascinating, but North Carolina’s balance, athleticism and defense will be too much for the Hoosiers to handle.
North Carolina vs. Indiana Final Score Prediction: North Carolina 81, Indiana 78
