Tar Heels vs Dayton in Round of 32
UNC Aims for Sweet Sixteen Berth
The University of North Carolina Tar Heels continue their 2025 NCAA Tournament journey on Saturday, March 22, taking on the Dayton Flyers in the Round of 32 at a yet-to-be-finalized regional site. After a commanding 88-62 first-round win over Longwood on March 20, UNC basketball, a No. 1 seed, now faces a tougher test against a projected No. 8 seed in Dayton. With an 11-game win streak and a Sweet Sixteen berth on the line, UNC is poised to flex their dominance—but history adds a layer of intrigue to this matchup.
UNC Basketball's March Madness Momentum
UNC basketball is rolling into the second round on a high, having dismantled Longwood with a balanced attack led by Jae'Lyn Withers' sharpshooting and Elliot Cadeau's playmaking wizardry. Coach Hubert Davis has the Tar Heels playing with the confidence of their 2024-25 ACC Tournament championship, earned with a 74-70 win over NC State. Dayton, fresh off a hypothetical upset over a No. 9 seed like St. John's, brings a disciplined, high-octane style that tested foes all season. For UNC, this is a chance to keep their March Madness dreams alive.
A Historical Flashback: UNC vs. Dayton in 1967
UNC basketball and Dayton have met just once before—on March 25, 1967, in the NCAA Final Four in Louisville, Kentucky. That game saw the No. 4-ranked Flyers upset the No. 1 Tar Heels 76-62, ending UNC's title hopes in a season where they finished 26-6 under Dean Smith. Dayton's Don May torched UNC for 34 points, a loss that still stings in Chapel Hill lore. Fast forward to 2025, and UNC has a chance to rewrite history against a Flyers program that's since become a mid-major powerhouse, with 19 NCAA appearances but no title.
Key Matchups in UNC Basketball's Second-Round Clash
UNC's stars will need to shine against Dayton's gritty lineup. Withers, a three-point threat, could exploit the Flyers' perimeter defense, while Cadeau's speed will challenge Dayton's standout guard, Kobe Elvis, who averaged 17 points in 2024-25. Harrison Ingram's rebounding battles Dayton's forward DaRon Holmes II, a double-double machine whose size could test UNC's interior. The Tar Heels' depth and tournament savvy give them an edge, but Dayton's upset pedigree—highlighted by their 1967 triumph—makes this no cakewalk.
Stakes for UNC Basketball's Sweet Sixteen Push
A win on March 22 propels UNC basketball to the Sweet Sixteen on March 27, 2025, likely facing a No. 4 or No. 5 seeds like Arizona or Baylor. As a No. 1 seed, UNC is expected to advance, but a slip-up could end their title chase early—a fate they've avoided since 2018's second-round loss to Texas A&M. For Dayton, knocking off UNC would be a seismic upset, echoing their 1967 glory and boosting their Cinderella credentials. This game is about survival—and legacy—for both squads.
How to Watch UNC Basketball vs. Dayton
- Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
- Time: TBD (typically 12:00 PM–10:00 PM ET window for second-round games)
- Location: TBD (NCAA regional site, eg, Charlotte, Denver, or Pittsburgh)
- TV: CBS, TBS, TNT, or truTV (per NCAA broadcast rotation)
- Streaming: NCAA March Madness Live app
UNC basketball fans will be on edge, whether in the stands or at home, as the Tar Heels aim to punch their Sweet Sixteen ticket.
Predictions for UNC vs. Dayton
UNC's superior talent and current form should prevail, but Dayton's tenacity will keep it competitive. Expect the Tar Heels to pull away in the second half, with Withers' threes and Ingram's boards sealing the deal. Prediction: UNC 80, Dayton 71. The Flyers will push, but UNC's postseason poise and redemption motive will carry them through to the next round.
UNC Basketball's Sweet Sixteen Legacy
UNC basketball boasts 35 Sweet Sixteen appearances, third-most all-time, and a knack for thriving in March. Their 2017 title run saw them dispatch No. 8 Arkansas in the second round, a blueprint for this Dayton matchup. The 1967 loss remains a rare blemish—UNC has won 12 straight NCAA games against mid-major foes since 2000. A victory here keeps the Tar Heels on track for a seventh national title, a quest that's defined their program for decades.
Why UNC Basketball Fans Should Tune In
For UNC faithful, this game is a mix of history and hope. Facing Dayton stirs memories of 1967, but it's also a chance to see this 2025 squad assert their dominance. Will UNC bury the past and march toward the Elite Eight? March 22 holds the answer—a must-watch moment in Chapel Hill's March Madness saga.
UNC Basketball's March Madness Climb Continues
As tip-off looms, UNC basketball stands ready to conquer. Whether you're courtside or streaming, this Round of 32 battle with Dayton is your front-row seat to the Tar Heels' title chase. Buckle up for a thriller—because when UNC hits the NCAA stage, greatness is always in play!
