Dean E. Smith Center – Chapel Hill, NC
Tip-off: Saturday, 4:00 p.m. ET
Line: North Carolina -25

No. 20 North Carolina looks to build off a nice victory against Ohio State when it hosts UAB on Saturday.

North Carolina (7-4 ATS) has played one of the most difficult schedules in college basketball, as the Tar Heels have already faced against four ranked teams, going 3-1 in this scenario. Saturday is also a revenge game for North Carolina, as the Tar Heels lost to the Blazers last season, 63-59. UAB (3-5 ATS) was able to outscore UNC by 12 points in the first half, while holding on in the second half for the victory. The biggest difference in that game was the dominance on the glass by the Blazers, as they held a 52-37 advantage. As tough of a schedule that UNC has played, UAB has also played a very difficult non-conference schedule, playing three games against Top 25 foes. The Blazers have only played one true road game this season, and that was in an 83-67 loss in their last game against Chattanooga on Monday.

Can UNC cover the monster spread on Saturday? For the latest college basketball picks, check out The Platinum Sheet for all the Expert picks. The five experts are led by StatFox Gary's strong 63% ATS record (20-12), while StatFox Zach is 55% ATS (18-15) and StatFox Brian is 53% ATS (17-15) to open the season. StatFox Scott is a perfect 4-0 ATS since Tuesday.

UAB has had struggles this season, mostly on the offensive end of the court. The Blazers rank 96th in the nation in assists (14.2 APG), 178th in rebounding (35.3 RPG), 204th in scoring (66.8 PPG) and 277th in shooting (40.9% FG). SG Robert Brown (13.6 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.8 APG) is the leading scorer on the team, but he has been especially good the past four games (21.8 PPG). At 6-foot-5, 190 pounds, he has great length that makes him difficult to guard against, and despite struggling from long distance this season (30% threes), he has been much better during this four-game surge (13-of-24, 54%). PF C.J. Washington (9.8 PPG, 72% FG, 4.9 RPG) is the top post player on the team for the Blazers, but he will have a very difficult matchup in this game against a very tough North Carolina team.

The Tar Heels rank among the top teams in the country in many statistics, as the team ranks 2nd in rebounding (45.1 RPG), 12th in assists (17.8 APG), 20th in scoring (80.2 PPG) and 108th in shooting (45.2% FG). For North Carolina, everything starts with PG Marcus Paige (13.4 PPG, 3.5 APG, 2.4 RPG). However, Paige has really played poorly early in the season, as he has struggled to finish at the rim, and has not been able to hit from deep either (34% threes). When Paige is at his best, he is breaking down the defense, and deciding whether to drive for the layup, or kick it to the open teammate. The best player on this team early in the season has been PF Kennedy Meeks (13.3 PPG, 62% FG, 9.5 RPG). The 6-foot-9 sophomore has put up those type of numbers in only 23.3 MPG. With Meeks and C Brice Johnson (11.9 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.1 SPG) in the frontcourt, the Tar Heels have as much length as any team in college basketball. If North Carolina is going to reach its true potential, then the team is going to have to improve its outside shooting (28% threes).