March Madness Begins with Longwood Challenge
UNC Kicks Off NCAA Run as Top Seed
The University of North Carolina Tar Heels launch their 2025 NCAA Tournament campaign on Thursday, March 20, facing the Longwood Lancers in the first round at a yet-to-be-determined regional site. As a projected No. 1 seed—fresh off a 74-70 ACC Tournament final victory over NC State on March 15—UNC basketball enters March Madness with sky-high expectations. For the Tar Heels, this opener against a No. 16 seed is the first step toward a seventh national championship, and their storied tournament pedigree is ready to shine.
UNC Basketball's Path to March Madness Glory
UNC basketball earned their No. 1 seed with a dazzling 2024-25 season, capped by a 10-game win streak that includes the ACC Tournament title. Their latest triumph—a gritty win over NC State—proved UNC's ability to thrive under pressure, blending Jae'Lyn Withers' sharpshooting with Elliot Cadeau's electric playmaking. Coach Hubert Davis has the Tar Heels peaking at the perfect time, and now they face Longwood, a mid-major Cinderella from the Big South Conference, in a classic David vs. Goliath matchup.
UNC vs. Longwood: A First-Time Clash
UNC basketball has never faced Longwood in its illustrious history, making this March 20 showdown a fresh challenge. The Lancers, likely the Big South Tournament champs, earned their NCAA bid with a scrappy, up-tempo style led by guard Isaiah Folkes, who averaged 18 points per game in 2024-25. While Longwood brings hustle, UNC's pedigree is unmatched—six NCAA titles, 21 Final Four appearances, and a 130-49 all-time tournament record. The Tar Heels' experience against top-tier ACC foes gives them a towering edge.
Key Players Driving UNC Basketball's Tournament Start
UNC's loaded roster is primed to overwhelm Longwood. Withers, riding a hot streak from beyond the arc, could bury the Lancers early with his three-point jump-off. Cadeau's speed and vision will exploit Longwood's narrower guards, while Harrison Ingram's rebounding dominance should control the paint. For Longwood, Folkes' scoring and forward Michael Christmas' tenacity offer hope, but they'll need a miracle to upset UNC's well-oiled machine. This is the Tar Heels' game to lose.
Stakes for UNC Basketball in Round One
A win on March 20 advances UNC basketball to the Round of 32 on March 22, 2025, likely against a No. 8 or No. 9 seed. More than that, it's a chance to flex their top-seed muscle and send a message to the field—UNC is here to win it all. No No. 16 seed has ever beaten a No. 1 since UMBC's 2018 stunner over Virginia, and UNC's focus under Davis ensures they won't be the next victim. For Longwood, it's a Cinderella shot at history; for UNC, it's business as usual.
How to Watch UNC Basketball vs. Longwood
- Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
- Time: TBD (typically 12:00 PM–10:00 PM ET window for first-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 glued to their screens or filling the stands, eager to see the Tar Heels kick off their title chase with authority.
Predictions for UNC vs. Longwood
History and talent favor UNC in a landslide. The Tar Heels' depth, size, and postseason savvy should overwhelm Longwood's pluck. Expect Withers and Cadeau to shine early, with UNC building a 20-point lead by halftime. Prediction: UNC 88, Longwood 62. The Tar Heels will cruise, conserving energy for tougher tests ahead while giving fans a thrilling start to March Madness.
UNC Basketball's Tournament Pedigree
UNC basketball's NCAA Tournament legacy is unrivaled—six championships (1957, 1982, 1993, 2005, 2009, 2017), 52 appearances, and a knack for deep runs. Their 2022 Final Four as a No. 8 seed under Davis proved this team thrives in March. Facing Longwood, UNC begins a journey that could mirror their 2017 title run, when they dispatched No. 16 Texas Southern and route to cutting down the nets. This opener is the first chapter in what could be another legendary tale.
Why UNC Basketball Fans Should Be Hyped
For UNC faithful, March 20 marks the start of a month-long obsession. As a No. 1 seed, the Tar Heels carry the weight of expectation—and the promise of greatness. Beating Longwood isn't just a formality; it's a chance to see UNC's stars shine on the national stage. Will this be the year they add a seventh banner in Chapel Hill? It all begins here.
UNC Basketball's March Madness Takeoff
As tip-off nears, UNC basketball stands ready to soar. Whether you're at the game or watching from home, this first-round clash with Longwood is your ticket to the madness. Get locked in for a Tar Heel romp—because when UNC hits the court in March, the sky's the limit!
