It’s hard to know what to think of this Carolina team right now.
The Tar Heels have fallen into a tailspin since the calendar flipped to 2026, losing three of their last four games while allowing an average
of 90 points. It became evident that this is not just a slump but a full-on spiral when a Cal squad that had scored 56 points in its last game was able to put up 54 in the first half against UNC on Saturday. However, the second half suggested this is a spiral Carolina can pull out of, as the Tar Heels cut a 20-point deficit to four with over three minutes remaining. They couldn’t complete the comeback, but it was a badly-needed sign that this group hasn’t lost its fight.
There’s certainly enough time for Carolina to turn things around and get back to being the team that looked like a serious threat just a few weeks ago. It has to start tonight, though. If the Tar Heels can’t protect home court against a Notre Dame squad that’s 1-5 in its last six games – including a loss to Purdue Fort Wayne – then it’s really over.
Here’s how to watch:
- Time: 7:00 PM ET
- Location: Dean E. Smith Center – Chapel Hill, NC
- TV: ESPN2 with Kevin Brown and Cory Alexander
- Radio: Tar Heel Sports Network with Jones Angell and company. Here’s a list of affiliates airing the THSN broadcast. You can also listen on GoHeels.com, The Varsity Network, Tune In, and Sirius XM on channel 84.
- Streaming: ESPN’s broadcast of the game can be seen on their app and/or website
- Line: UNC -11.5
