North Carolina vs. Providence Picks – NCAA Tournament Second Round


North Carolina vs. Providence picks for the NCAA Tournament’s second round game.


North Carolina has found its second opponent in the NCAA Tournament, and it’s arrived in the form of Providence. The two teams will meet for the first time this season in the second round of the tourney.

The Tar Heels, after being tabbed as the No. 1 team preseason AP Rankings, rode a 28-6 record to securing a No. 1 seed in the tournament before taking care of No. 16-seed Florida Gulf Coast in the first round, 83-67.

On the other end of the court are the Friars, who are making an appearance in their third consecutive tournament. Providence, led by head coach Ed Cooley, was matched up against No. 8 USC in the first round. With a few seconds remaining in the game the Friars trailed the Trojans, 68-68. That was until Rodney Bullock broke free on an inbound play from under the basket and put home the layup to give Providence the 70-69 win.

Here’s a look at the Campus Insiders North Carolina vs. Providence picks.

North Carolina vs. Providence Picks

Shae Peppler

North Carolina is a No. 1 seed for a reason. This squad has too much talent and — outside of KU — the most talent in this tournament. Plus, UNC is 32-1 when playing tournament games in the state of North Carolina, this one tips off in Raleigh, N.C.

Ken Bikoff

North Carolina has the balance, the size, the guard play and the defense to handle the Friars, who simply don’t have the bigs to deal with Brice Johnson.

Jordan Cornette

UNC is too good on the offensive backboard and is going against a Friars team that struggles to rebound. The Tar Heels will take it. 

More NCAA Tournament: North Carolina vs. Providence Preview, Prediction