The Tar Heels are gearing up for an exciting matchup against the reigning NCAA champion Huskies in the highly anticipated Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden. This clash will showcase two of the most efficient offenses in college basketball, promising a thrilling contest for fans.

UNC big man Armando Bacot expressed his anticipation for the game, highlighting the significance of facing off against UConn, a defending national champion and a top-ranked team. The Tar Heels are fully focused and ready to seize this tremendous opportunity.

Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis acknowledged the challenges posed by UConn, praising their athleticism, size, and defensive prowess. Davis emphasized UConn's ability to protect the paint, making it difficult for opponents to score consistently. The Huskies' proficiency in both half-court sets and transition play adds another layer of complexity to their game.

For UNC guard RJ Davis, who hails from White Plains, N.Y., playing at the iconic Madison Square Garden holds special significance. Davis is excited to showcase his skills in front of family and friends in an arena renowned as one of the best in college and professional basketball. The unique energy of playing at Madison Square Garden is expected to fuel Davis and the Tar Heels.

The matchup against UConn marks the first meeting between the Tar Heels and a defending national champion since their thrilling overtime victory against Baylor in the second round of the 2021 NCAA Tournament. This game also kicks off a challenging stretch for UNC, with consecutive matchups against nationally ranked opponents, including No. 16 Kentucky and No. 19 Oklahoma.

One player who has thrived in a different role for UNC is guard RJ Davis. With freshman guard Elliot Cadeau joining the starting lineup in recent games, Davis has shifted to an off-ball position. This adjustment has allowed Davis to embrace a more natural scoring role, resulting in a remarkable scoring spree. Over the past three games, Davis has scored a staggering 84 points, becoming the first Tar Heel since 2001 to score 27 or more points in three consecutive games.

As for UConn, the Huskies are coming off their first loss of the season, a close 69-65 defeat against Kansas. However, they had put together an impressive run prior to that setback, winning their first seven games, including a victory over then-No. 15 Texas.

Coach Dan Hurley has fostered an incredibly dynamic offense for the Huskies. Currently ranked third in adjusted offensive efficiency, UConn boasts a balanced scoring attack with five players averaging 14 or more points per game. Tristen Newton leads the way, showcasing his versatility with over 17 points, seven rebounds, and six assists per game. Alongside Newton, Cam Spencer and the sophomore duo of Donovan Clingan and Alex Karaban contribute significantly to UConn's potent offense.

The health of highly regarded freshman Stephon Castle remains a point of interest. Castle, a consensus five-star recruit, suffered a knee injury early in the season, requiring a minor procedure. His absence has allowed fellow freshman Solomon Ball to step up in the starting lineup.

In terms of series history, UNC holds a 5-1 advantage over UConn. The Tar Heels have emerged victorious in the last three encounters, each decided by seven points or fewer. UConn's sole victory over UNC dates back to January 2002 when they secured a dominant 86-54 win at Storrs, Conn.

The last meeting between the two teams occurred in February 2005 when Carolina came out on top with a 77-70 victory at the Hartford Civic Center. This win contributed to UNC's eventual claim of the NCAA championship that season.

With the Tar Heels and Huskies set to clash in the Top 10 matchup at Madison Square Garden, basketball fans can anticipate a thrilling showdown between two powerhouse programs. The battle between UNC's efficient offense and UConn's relentless defense promises to be an exhilarating contest.