All Tar Heels

One UNC Basketball Matchup Among 'Top 10 Non-Conference Games'

UNC basketball has a relatively daunting non-conference slate for Hubert Davis' third season.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball head coach Hubert Davis and center Armando Bacot (Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports)
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NCAA basketball expert Andy Katz recently ranked the top 10 non-conference games on tap for the 2023-24 season and included one showdown that features the UNC basketball team, No. 9 in the preseason AP Top 25.

That game is the Tar Heels' meeting with UConn at the Jimmy V Classic in New York City's Madison Square on Dec. 5. Katz ranks UNC vs. UConn at No. 8.

Understandably, it is one of three UConn games on Katz's list, as the Huskies are the defending national champions, begin the year with a No. 6 ranking by their name, and have no shortage of big-time opponents on their schedule.

No. 1 on Katz's list is No. 2 Duke vs. No. 4 Michigan State, set for Nov. 14 at the Champions Classic in Chicago's United Center, followed by preseason No. 1 Kansas vs. No. 16 Kentucky, UConn vs. Kansas, No. 3 Purdue vs. No. 11 Gonzaga, and No. 12 Arizona vs. Duke to round out the top five.

Meanwhile, other notable outings on UNC basketball's non-conference schedule include a battle in Chapel Hill against No. 9 Tennessee as part of the ACC/SEC Challenge on Nov. 29 and a blueblooded contest against Kentucky at the CBS Sports Classic in Atlanta's State Farm Arena on Dec. 16.

First, the Tar Heels host St. Augustine's for an exhibition game in the Dean E. Smith Center at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday before gearing up for their season opener against visiting Radford on Nov. 6.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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