UNC vs. Vermont: Game Time, TV Schedule, Spread Info and Predictions

The No.16 seeded Vermont Catamounts (24-11) survived the first four, and have now earned the right to play No.1 North Carolina (29-5) in the second round of the 2012 NCAA Tournament.

Vermont is going to have their hands full if they plan on beating the Tar Heels. North Carolina ranks first in the nation in rebounds (45.2), second in points (82) and fourth in assists (17.6).

They are chock full of NBA talent and one of the favorites to win it all.

Vermont meanwhile has won 18-of-20 games and played exceptionally well in their 71-59 first round win over Lamar.

Here’s everything you need to know about this No.1 vs. No.16 match up.

Where: Greensboro, North Carolina

When: Friday, 4:10 p.m ET

Watch: TBS

Listen: WCHL 1360 AM in Chapel Hill and WSYB 1380 AM in Vermont

Betting Line: N/A as of Wednesday night

What’s at Stake:

We could be witnessing history in Greensboro. Never before has a No.1 seed lost in the round of 64. Considering the Tar Heels have multiple players that will likely be selected not only in the first round, but in the top 15 in the 2012 draft, this would be the greatest upset of all time.

It would also be the biggest choke job of all time.

Most Important Player to Watch: Four McGlynn

The freshman for the Catamounts led the team in scoring this season (12.0) while coming off the bench. In Wednesday’s win over Lamar he dropped 18 points and was the spark plug that propelled the team to victory.

He’s a 38-percent shooter from downtown and hits a remarkable 89-percent of his free throws.

The Catamounts have to run multiple screens for McGlynn to get open looks. Then it’s only a matter of knocking them down.

Vermont can’t physically hang with Carolina, so they have to shoot lights out if they plan on shocking the world.

Key Matchup: Brian Voelkel vs. John Henson

The sophomore Voelkel brings toughness and strength to the table. He may be terribly undersized at 6’6", but he led the team in rebounds (8.6) and assists (5.2). He has to do his best to keep the 6’11" Henson as far away from the paint as possible to ensure Vermont doesn’t get pounded on the glass. Voelkel has to use his play making  ability on offense to keep Henson guessing while wearing him down in the process.

The Catamounts can’t win the game through rebounding, but they sure can lose it.

Prediction:

As much as you would love to see the biggest upset in history, there is just no way this is going to happen.

The Tar Heels, who will be playing in their own backyard, have much more height and depth than the Catamounts. They have more athleticism, experience and are more battle tested.

Nobody can guard Kendall Marshall, Harrison Barnes or Tyler Zeller.

This could be the biggest blowout of the round.

North Carolina 88, Vermont 59

For your printable NCAA Bracket, click here

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