Tar Heels Clash with Rebels in Cream City for March Madness Showdown

The North Carolina Tar Heels, fresh off a hard-fought victory in the First Four against San Diego State, are set to continue their March Madness journey in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, affectionately known as "The Cream City." The No. 11 seeded Tar Heels will face off against the No. 6 seed Ole Miss Rebels in a highly anticipated first-round matchup of the NCAA Tournament. North Carolina aims to add to its already impressive legacy, seeking its nation-leading 135th victory in "The Big Dance."

The game is scheduled to tip off at 4:05 p.m. ET on Friday at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. For fans eager to catch the action live, SlingTV offers a streaming option.

Leading the charge for the Tar Heels is RJ Davis, the team’s dynamic 6-foot guard. Davis has been a consistent offensive threat throughout the season, averaging 17.9 points per game. His ability to penetrate the defense, knock down perimeter shots, and create opportunities for his teammates makes him a focal point of the North Carolina attack.

Adding an extra layer of intrigue to this contest is the homecoming element for Seth Trimble. The Tar Heels guard grew up in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, a town near Milwaukee. Playing in front of friends and family, Trimble will undoubtedly be motivated to elevate his game and contribute to his team’s success.

The upcoming game marks a significant historical event, as it is the first meeting between North Carolina and Ole Miss in nearly a century. Their last encounter occurred on March 1, 1926, in Atlanta during the semifinals of the Southern Conference Tournament. The long hiatus adds a sense of novelty and anticipation to this March Madness clash.

Ole Miss is spearheaded by Sean Pedulla, who leads the team in scoring with 14.9 points per game and showcases an impressive 43.4% shooting percentage from the field. Pedulla’s scoring prowess and efficiency make him a key player for the Rebels, and the Tar Heels will need to focus on containing him to limit Ole Miss’s offensive output.

Interestingly, this game marks only the third time North Carolina has played in the state of Wisconsin in program history. The last time the Tar Heels played in the Badger State was during the 1986 college basketball season when they defeated Marquette. The Tar Heels will look to replicate that winning experience.

The stakes are high, as the winner of the North Carolina-Ole Miss game will advance to face the winner of the No. 3 seed Iowa State vs. No. 14 Lipscomb game, which will also be played in Milwaukee. The path to the Sweet Sixteen is paved with challenges, and both teams will need to bring their A-game to secure a spot.

How to Watch:

The North Carolina vs. Ole Miss NCAA Tournament first-round game will be nationally televised on TNT. Fans can also stream the game through the March Madness Live app (with a TV login) and Sling TV, which carries TNT and the Warner Bros. Discovery channels.

The game is scheduled to tip off at 4:05 p.m. ET on Friday, March 21, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee.

Expert Predictions and Odds:

Before placing any wagers, it’s advisable to consult expert predictions and odds. As of Friday afternoon, odds were courtesy of BetMGM.

Recent Results:

To provide context on the teams’ recent performance, below are the five most recent results from each team’s 2024-25 schedule:

• North Carolina: (Assume the article would then list the 5 most recent games, with results. Example: Win vs. Duke, Loss vs. NC State, etc.)

• Ole Miss: (Assume the article would then list the 5 most recent games, with results. Example: Loss vs. Auburn, Win vs. LSU, etc.)

(Note: As a language model, I cannot provide actual game results as they are subject to change.)

Analysis and Key Matchups:

This matchup presents an intriguing clash of styles. North Carolina, with its tradition-rich program and talented roster, will look to control the tempo and utilize its offensive firepower. RJ Davis’s scoring ability will be crucial, and the Tar Heels will need to establish a strong presence in the paint.

Ole Miss, on the other hand, will likely rely on Sean Pedulla’s scoring and aim to disrupt North Carolina’s offensive flow with their defensive intensity. Rebounding will be a key factor, as both teams will battle for second-chance opportunities.

The battle in the backcourt between RJ Davis and Sean Pedulla could be a defining aspect of the game. Both players are capable of taking over games, and their individual performances will significantly impact their team’s chances of victory.

Furthermore, the contributions of role players will be critical. Players like Seth Trimble for North Carolina and other supporting cast members for Ole Miss will need to step up and provide valuable minutes on both ends of the floor.

Intangibles:

Beyond the Xs and Os, several intangible factors could influence the outcome of this game. The pressure of March Madness can affect players differently, and the team that can maintain its composure and execute under pressure will have an advantage.

The crowd in Milwaukee is expected to be electric, and the atmosphere will undoubtedly add to the intensity of the contest. North Carolina’s experience in high-pressure situations could prove beneficial, but Ole Miss will be eager to prove themselves on the national stage.

Ultimately, the North Carolina vs. Ole Miss game promises to be a captivating battle between two teams with aspirations of making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. With talented players, contrasting styles, and the excitement of March Madness, this matchup is sure to deliver a memorable performance in The Cream City.