What channel is Notre Dame vs. UNC basketball on today? ACC Tournament schedule, time, TV, and streaming

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What channel is Notre Dame vs. UNC basketball on today? ACC Tournament schedule, time, TV, and streaming

Notre Dame Fighting Irish (15-17, 8-12 ACC)

Notre Dame enters the game as an underdog but is coming off a thrilling 55-54 victory over Pittsburgh in the opening round of the ACC Tournament. The Fighting Irish have played a gritty, defensive style all season, ranking in the top half of the ACC in opponent points per game. Under head coach Micah Shrewsberry, Notre Dame emphasizes ball movement, perimeter shooting, and disciplined defense.

  • Strengths:

    • Perimeter Defense – The Irish rank third in the ACC in opponent three-point percentage.
    • Three-Point Shooting – Notre Dame is capable of heating up from deep, shooting 34.8% from beyond the arc.
    • Turnover Avoidance – They take care of the ball well, averaging only 10.1 turnovers per game, one of the lowest in the conference.

  • Weaknesses:

    • Scoring Consistency – Notre Dame has struggled to score in stretches, ranking 13th in the ACC in points per game.
    • Rebounding Deficiency – The Irish are often outmuscled on the boards, allowing opponents too many second-chance points.
    • Lack of Depth – Outside of their starters, Notre Dame has struggled to get reliable production from the bench.

North Carolina Tar Heels (20-12, 13-7 ACC)

The Tar Heels come in as the 5th seed in the ACC Tournament, having earned a first-round bye. Under head coach Hubert Davis, UNC continues to run an up-tempo offense with strong rebounding and inside scoring. They’re one of the best transition teams in the country and have a top-3 rebounding margin in the ACC.

  • Strengths:

    • Scoring Depth – UNC has four players averaging double figures this season.
    • Transition Offense – The Tar Heels thrive on fast breaks, scoring a high percentage of their points in transition.
    • Rebounding Dominance – North Carolina averages +7.8 rebounds per game over their opponents, making second-chance points a major factor.

  • Weaknesses:

    • Three-Point Shooting – UNC has been inconsistent from beyond the arc, shooting 32.9% as a team.
    • Turnover Issues – The Tar Heels sometimes struggle with ball control, averaging 13.4 turnovers per game.
    • Foul Trouble – UNC’s aggressive defensive style can lead to excessive fouling, putting opponents on the free-throw line.

Key Players to Watch

Notre Dame

  • Markus Burton (G, Fr.) – The freshman guard is Notre Dame’s leading scorer, averaging 16.5 points and 4.2 assists per game. His quick first step and ability to finish in traffic make him a key factor.
  • Braeden Shrewsberry (G, So.) – The coach’s son is a deadly three-point shooter, hitting 38% from deep. If he gets hot, he can change the game.
  • J.R. Konieczny (F, Jr.) – A versatile forward who can stretch the floor with his outside shooting while also contributing defensively.

North Carolina

  • RJ Davis (G, Sr.) – UNC’s go-to scorer, averaging 19.1 points per game. He’s a clutch shooter with deep range.
  • Armando Bacot (F, Sr.) – One of the best big men in the country, averaging 13.5 points and 10.8 rebounds per game. His presence inside will be a major factor.
  • Elliott Cadeau (G, Fr.) – A lightning-fast point guard who can break down defenses and create for teammates.

Betting Odds and Predictions

Odds are subject to change; check sportsbooks for the latest lines.

  • Spread: UNC -7.5
  • Over/Under: 138.5
  • Moneyline: UNC (-320), Notre Dame (+260)

Game Prediction

UNC is the favorite, and for good reason. They are deeper, more athletic, and dominate the rebounding game. However, Notre Dame has played gritty, defensive basketball and has kept games close against top teams. If the Irish can slow the tempo, hit threes, and limit UNC’s transition game, they have a chance to pull off an upset.

Final Score Prediction: UNC 74, Notre Dame 65

Historical Context: UNC vs. Notre Dame in the ACC Tournament

Notre Dame and North Carolina have met multiple times in the ACC Tournament since the Irish joined the conference in 2013. Here are some notable matchups:

  • 2015 ACC Semifinals: Notre Dame defeated UNC 90-82, on their way to winning their first-ever ACC Tournament title.
  • 2016 ACC Finals: North Carolina got revenge, dominating Notre Dame 84-56 to claim the championship.
  • 2019 Quarterfinals: UNC won a smooth 78-59 game behind a stellar performance from Coby White.

Overall, UNC leads the all-time series against Notre Dame 29-9 and has won four of the last five meetings.

How This Game Impacts the NCAA Tournament

  • North Carolina: A win today helps their seeding for the NCAA Tournament, possibly boosting them to a No. 6 seed.
  • Notre Dame: They need to win the ACC Tournament to secure a March Madness bid. A loss today eliminates them from contention.

Final Thoughts

This ACC Tournament battle will feature a classic clash of styles: Notre Dame’s slow, methodical half-court offense versus North Carolina’s up-tempo attack and rebounding dominance. Expect UNC to push the pace, while Notre Dame will try to grind out a low-scoring affair.

No matter the outcome, it should be an exciting game with big March Madness implications.

 

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