UNC basketball coach Hubert Davis talks Hawaii trip, Maui Invitational
Ahead of UNC basketball’s trip to Hawaii, head coach Hubert Davis previewed the Tar Heels’ trip to Hawaii, which includes the Maui Invitational.
UNC basketball’s hunt for a fifth championship at the Maui Invitational starts Monday (11:30 p.m., ESPN2) against Dayton at the Lahaina Civic Center in Hawaii.
Coming off a double-digit win against previously unbeaten Hawaii in Honolulu, the 10th-ranked Tar Heels (3-1) will try to take down the undefeated Flyers (5-0) in the nightcap of the opening day in Lahaina.
UNC is playing in the tournament for the eighth time, aiming to match rival Duke (5) for the most titles in the event’s history. Dayton won the Maui Invitational in 2003 and made it to the title game in 2019.
Where UNC has to improve at Maui Invitational
The Heels and Flyers are meeting for the fourth time and the first time in 15 seasons. Overall, UNC is 1-2 against Dayton, losing both games in a tournament setting.
The winner of Monday’s game, the last of four quarterfinal matchups to open the three-day Maui Invitational, will face No. 4 Auburn (3-0) or No. 3 Iowa State (2-0) in the semifinals on Tuesday (11 p.m., ESPN).
Here are some other things to know and a score prediction for the Tar Heels’ opening game of the Maui Invitational:
UNC basketball history at Maui Invitational in Hawaii
Paradise has treated the Tar Heels well. Overall, UNC has won 35 of its 40 games in Hawaii, including an 18-3 record in Maui, and four Maui Invitational championships. Following each of those titles (1999, 2004, 2008, 2016), UNC went on to play in the Final Four, winning the national championship in the last three of those seasons. As one of four top-10 teams competing in the 2024 edition, the Tar Heels have a tough task, but history is on the Heels’ side.
Rebounding remains top priority for Hubert Davis, Tar Heels
Rebounding. That will continue to be the Tar Heels’ top priority, something head coach Hubert Davis emphasizes after every game. In its win at Hawaii, UNC was outrebounded for the first time this season (40-27), allowing 15 offensive rebounds. The Tar Heels and Dayton are averaging 39 rebounds per game, but UNC is 159th in rebounding margin (+3) through four games. The Heels have to be better on the boards, especially if they have their sights set on a title-winning run in Hawaii.
UNC guards RJ Davis, Elliot Cadeau, Seth Trimble getting to free-throw line
The Tar Heels have been elite at taking care of the ball and getting to the free-throw line. UNC has attempted at least 30 free throws in three straight games, including a season-high 34 attempts against American and Hawaii. Each of UNC’s top three guards — RJ Davis, Elliot Cadeau and Seth Trimble — have attempted at least 20 free throws, knocking down at least 77% of their shots from the stripe. The Heels are 14th nationally in free-throw attempts per game (28.8) and fourth in free throws made per game (23.8). Led by its attacking guards, UNC needs that trend to continue against Dayton.
Enoch Cheeks is a two-way weapon for experienced Dayton basketball
One of the top two-way players in the nation, Dayton guard Enoch Cheeks leads the Flyers in points (15.6), rebounds (8.2) and steals (3.3) per game. Cheeks is sixth nationally in steals per game, and UNC leads the nation with the fewest turnovers per game (7.8). Dayton’s senior guard had 16 points and six steals in the Flyers’ win against Northwestern. Carolina’s experienced backcourt can’t get sloppy against Cheeks and the Flyers, who have the seventh-most experienced roster in the nation.
UNC vs Dayton score prediction
UNC 86, Dayton 75: The Tar Heels always seem to bring their best in Hawaii. Dayton has the veteran players and pieces to push UNC, but the team from the state that was “First in Flight” will take down the Flyers.
Rodd Baxley covers Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding those teams? Send them to rbaxley@fayobserver.com.
