Miami vs. North Carolina: Hurricanes Look To Boost NCAA Tournament Chances

The Miami Hurricanes have one big statement win on their resume, a victory at Duke, which can help them with the selection committee come Selection Sunday, but it may not be enough to lift them off the bubble. A win against North Carolina tonight at the Bank United Center could lift the Hurricanes off the bubble entirely.

It won't be an easy task as the Hurricanes have lost nine in a row to the Tar Heels dating back to 2006, including a 73-56 loss at Chapel Hill back in Jan. If the Hurricanes want to buck the trend, it will have to start with containing North Carolina forward Harrison Barnes, averaging 17.5 points per game.

Another key for the Hurricanes is not being dominated on the boards. North Carolina is the best rebounding team in the nation averaging 46 rebounds per game, with forwards John Henson and Tyler Zeller averaging a combined 20.

Forward Reggie Johnson has to be a factor on the boards for the Hurricanes to win tonight. In addition, Durand Scott and Kenny Kadji have to hit their averages and play great defense against a Tar Heels team that can deal a serious blow to their NCAA tournament chances.

The game is scheduled for a 7 p.m. tip off, with a national broadcast on ESPN, and streaming live online on ESPN3.com.