MILWAUKEE, Wisc. – The much-awaited NCAA Tournament is finally upon us, and the stage is set for an exhilarating first-round encounter. The No. 6 seed Ole Miss men's basketball team is gearing up to face off against the No. 11 seed North Carolina at 3:05 p.m. CT on March 21, 2025, at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
This year marks Ole Miss' 10th appearance in the NCAA Tournament, having previously entered the tournament in 2019. The Rebels hold a 5-9 record in tournament play, with their most notable run coming in 2001 when they advanced to the Sweet 16. This year, under head coach Chris Beard, Ole Miss enters the tournament with a solid record of 22-11, while the Tar Heels from North Carolina have a season record of 23-13.
Ole Miss has had a noteworthy season, finishing in the top half of the SEC standings and recording significant victories over ranked opponents including Alabama and Tennessee. This successful run has been essential in bolstering their confidence as they step into March Madness. In stark contrast, North Carolina barely made it into the tournament as they secured their spot by winning a First Four game against San Diego State, proving that they have the potential for a Cinderella story this year.
For those looking to catch the game, it will be aired nationally on TNT, featuring Kevin Harlan as the play-by-play announcer with analysts Dan Bonner and Stan Van Gundy. Lauren Shehadi will be doing sideline reporting, enriching the viewing experience for college basketball fans.
Both teams are no strangers to the thrill of the tournament, and this particular matchup is poised to deliver excitement on multiple fronts. Ole Miss is known for its strong defense, leading the nation with a remarkable turnover margin of +5.4, while also generating an average of 8.8 steals per game. Sean Pedulla has been a standout player for the Rebels, sinking 78 three-pointers this season, and is anticipated to be a key player in this high-stakes contest.
On the other hand, North Carolina boasts a well-rounded offense, averaging 80.8 points per game, with RJ Davis leading the charge at 15.6 points per game. The Tar Heels have six players scoring in double figures and will likely aim to overwhelm the Rebels with their offensive pressure. Hubert Davis, in his fourth season at UNC, has already notched 101 wins and is looking to add more accolades to his coaching career.
The historical context of this matchup adds another layer of intrigue. Ole Miss and North Carolina have faced each other only twice before, both during the 1920s, making this encounter a rare and exciting event for fans of both programs. Their last meeting was in the Southern Conference Tournament in 1926, where the Tar Heels bested the Rebels 38-23. Fast forward nearly a century, and both teams are now ready to write a new chapter in their rivalry.
As the tournament unfolds, the victor of today's game will advance to the Round of 32, meeting the winner of the match between No. 3 seed Iowa State and No. 14 seed Lipscomb on Sunday, March 23. With everything on the line in this win-or-go-home format, players and fans alike are preparing for an unforgettable experience.
In addition, analysts have noted that while North Carolina may have entered as the lower seed, they are a formidable opponent given their rich history in the tournament and their recent performances. The Rebels will need to capitalize on their disciplined defense and maintain composure to prevent the Tar Heels from generating momentum early in the game.
Ultimately, this NCAA Tournament clash promises drama and excitement, with both teams fully aware that fortitude and strategy will be crucial in determining the outcome. As March Madness sweeps across the nation, fans can expect nothing short of an electrifying basketball showdown between Ole Miss and North Carolina.
