Monmouth vs. North Carolina: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Spread Info and More

The Monmouth Hawks of the Northeast Conference will take a New Year's Day trip to Chapel Hill to take on the ACC's North Carolina Tar Heels. 

Monmouth is having a rough season, as they are 2-11, 0-2 in conference play. North Carolina is ranked No. 5 in the AP Poll, and No. 6 in the USA Today Poll. They are 11-2, having won six straight since losing to Kentucky by a point on Dec. 3. 

This will also be North Carolina's last game before entering ACC play.

Where: Dean Smith Center. Chapel Hill, N.C.

When: Sunday, Jan. 1, at 3 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN U

Listen: WMCX 88.9 FM for Monmouth.  WCHL-AM 1360 at UNC. Streamed at Tarheelblue.com

Betting Line

North Carolina (-41), according to Vegas Insider.

Take this bet with some caution, as is the case with any number that big. But UNC is one of the top teams in the country, and Monmouth isn't even that good in a small conference. Look for the Tar Heels to take this one, and cover. 

Key Injuries

Per USA Today

G Leslie McDonald is out.

What's at Stake?

It's not a conference game, so very little for either team. Monmouth needs get their season on track. A blowout at the hands of UNC will not help. 

North Carolina needs to keep winning to make their way up the polls. They're all about positioning themselves for the ACC season, and then the NCAA Tournament. 

What They're Saying

North Carolina is trying to develop forwards to play in the front court, along with Tyler Zeller, as well as Harrison Barnes and John Henson.

According to Brandon Moree of the Daily Tar Heel, they are going to try to work James Michael McAdoo and Desmond Hubert into the game plan more.

He also quoted Coach Roy Williams, who had positive things to say about his young forwards.

"

Even with the work horse Zeller in front of them along with Barnes and Henson, Williams will be sure to find playing time for his freshman forwards.

“Desmond and James Michael are going to be good players,” Williams said. “So, hopefully we’ll have an opportunity to give them some more time.”

"

Monmouth Player to Watch

Guard Jesse Steele. He's the only Monmouth player to average better than 10 points a night. They will need him to be special to compete with North Carolina.

North Carolina Player to Watch

Keep an eye on James Michael McAdoo. He hasn't played a lot this season, but as you can see above, Williams is looking to get him more playing time. In a game that looks to be an easy UNC win, McAdoo will get some playing time.

Key Matchup

Steele vs. Dexter Strickland. If Steele doesn't have a huge game, UNC will not be tested. Strickland will have to focus on keeping him in check. Other than that, the Tar Heels have very little to worry about.

Prediction: North Carolina 97, Monmouth 44

Don't look for much of a test here. North Carolina will keep its winning streak alive, moving it to six games. Boston College awaits on Jan. 7, which will start the ACC season.

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