SITE: Charlotte
TIME: 7:15 p.m.
TV: CBS
ANNOUNCERS: Jim Nantz play-by-play, Clark Kellogg analyst
THE SPREAD: North Carolina by 17.5
RECORDS: North Carolina 26-7, LIU 27-5
ENROLLMENTS: North Carolina 27,700; LSU 11,000.
THE BUZZ: Both teams want a fast pace, but can LIU keep up with UNC’s elite athletes? LIU isn’t big, which means UNC’s frontcourt should dominate. LIU can hit the 3-pointer, though, and that is the Blackbirds’ only chance to stay close. Watch UNC’s defense: If LIU is getting open looks on the perimeter, that bodes ill for the Heels for the rest of the tourney. LIU coach Jim Ferry knows what he is doing, and his guards have the ability to pester Tar Heels PG Kendall Marshall.
