UNC’s First Round NCAA Tournament Matchup is Set

UNC now knows who it will play in the first round. 

North Carolina earned a 1-seed in this year’s NCAA Tournament. Although brackets were set, the Tar Heels had to wait to see who they would play in the first round. Their opponent, one of Wagner or Howard, faced off in a “first four” play-in game.

The Opponent

UNC will face Wagner in the opening round. The 16-seed Seahawks took down fellow 16-seed Howard in a game where they led by double-digits for most of it. Howard made things interesting late, but it was not enough. North Carolina should have a major height advantage on Thursday. Although they are a 16-seed, you can not take any team for granted. Just last season, 1-seed Purdue lost to 16-seed Fairleigh Dickinson. When team’s become confident, anything can happen.

What To Know

• Wagner had to win their conference tournament to make the NCAA Tournament.
• They finished the regular season with a 13-15 record.
• In their conference tournament, they beat #1, #2, and #3-seed on their way to the title.
• Only two players on their roster are 6’9 or taller.
• Against Howard, they ran a seven-man rotation.
• Wagner has now won four straight games.
• The Seahawks average 63.5 points per game.
• Five players average 8 or more points per game, giving them a balanced scoring attack.

North Carolina will play on Thursday at 2:45.