North Carolina’s dramatic 67–64 win over Kentucky on Tuesday didn’t just silence Rupp Arena — it sent a message: this Tar Heel team is built differently. A six-point comeback powered by the ice-cold composure of freshman guard Derek Dixon electrified a crowd that hadn’t seen UNC win in Lexington in nearly two decades. The Tar Heels (7–1) walked out with a signature victory they desperately needed after last season’s postseason shortcomings, and now they carry that momentum into a rare and intriguing matchup against the Georgetown Hoyas (6–2) on Sunday afternoon.
But before looking ahead, a natural question arises:
WHAT HAPPENED THE LAST TIME UNC AND GEORGETOWN FACED OFF?
Surprisingly, it’s been a long time. The two storied programs haven’t met often in recent years, and UNC hasn’t beaten Georgetown since the 1999 Maui Invitational. Georgetown has taken the last two meetings, including one in the early 2010s when the Hoyas’ defensive identity and rugged physicality defined the John Thompson III era. A lot has changed since then — both rosters, both coaching staffs, and frankly, both programs’ trajectories.
Sunday’s matchup revives a dormant rivalry between two iconic brands: one searching to reclaim its national relevance, the other trying to prove it belongs in the championship conversation right now.
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GEORGETOWN: A SLEEPING GIANT TRYING TO WAKE UP
Once a dynasty under the legendary John Thompson Jr., Georgetown basketball has wandered through years of inconsistency. The Hoyas haven’t reached the NCAA Tournament since 2021, and last season marked their first overall winning record since 2018–19 — a reminder of how far the program had fallen during the tail end of Patrick Ewing’s tenure.
But this year feels different.
Major early victories over Maryland and Clemson suggest the Hoyas may finally be stabilizing. They’re playing with confidence, toughness, and structure — all hallmarks of a program trying to claw back into the national conversation. While they aren’t yet loaded with five-star talent, Georgetown brings length, grit, and an improving offense, making them a dangerous non-conference opponent.
Facing a top-10-level UNC team on the road gives them a perfect opportunity to show the college basketball world they’re done being overlooked.
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THE TAR HEELS: A TEAM STARTING TO LOOK CHAMPIONSHIP-READY
North Carolina’s roster is headlined by one of the most dominant frontcourts in college basketball: Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar. Their interior presence, combined with improved defensive cohesion and a developing backcourt, has transformed UNC into a team with visible upside.
If Tuesday’s victory showed anything, it’s that UNC can win ugly — something good teams must learn.
The potential return of Seth Trimble from injury adds another layer. Trimble brings elite on-ball defense, athleticism, and experience, all crucial for ACC play later this winter. His comeback will strengthen a backcourt that still needs consistency, particularly in perimeter shooting.
Three-point accuracy remains the Tar Heels’ biggest question mark. They’ve hit timely shots but not consistently enough. For a team with title aspirations, improved spacing will be essential.
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POINT GUARD WATCH: WHO RUNS THE SHOW ON SUNDAY?
Hubert Davis faces an important decision.
Colorado State transfer Kyan Evans began the season as UNC’s starting point guard — steady, reliable, capable of running the offense. But Derek Dixon’s breakout performance against Kentucky may have changed the equation. The freshman guard showed poise beyond his years, knocking down late game-changing shots and demonstrating the kind of confidence you simply cannot teach.
Dixon has earned the right to start. Yet, Davis is deliberate, thoughtful, and patient with young guards. Whether he makes the change now or later will depend on practice performance, matchups, and how he envisions his rotation evolving.
One thing is clear: UNC now has real depth and competition at the position, something it lacked at times in the past two seasons.
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KEYS TO VICTORY FOR UNC
1. Dominate the Paint
Wilson and Veesaar must establish control early. Their ability to score inside, rebound, and draw fouls will dictate UNC’s offensive tempo.
2. Improve Perimeter Shooting
The Tar Heels must knock down open looks. Georgetown will likely pack the paint and challenge UNC’s shooters. Making threes at even a modest clip will stretch the defense and open driving lanes.
3. Control the Tempo
Georgetown thrives when games get slowed down and physical. UNC must push the pace, attack in transition, and force the Hoyas into uncomfortable rotations.
4. Limit Turnovers
Nothing fuels an underdog more than easy points. Clean possessions will prevent Georgetown from hanging around late.
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WHAT TO WATCH: GEORGETOWN’S CONFIDENCE VS. UNC’S MATURITY
Georgetown comes in hungry — they want a signature win just as badly as UNC earned theirs on Tuesday. But this Tar Heel team is beginning to show the traits of a contender: resiliency, composure, and adaptability. How they handle a motivated opponent at home will reveal how far along they truly are.
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FINAL THOUGHT
Sunday’s contest isn’t just another non-conference game. It’s a clash of history, ambition, and identity. Georgetown wants to prove it’s no longer a shadow of its former self. UNC wants to show it’s ready to make a national statement — not in March, but now.
If the Tar Heels maintain the poise they showed in Rupp Arena, they’ll be in prime position to extend their winning streak. But the Hoyas won’t make it easy.
This is a matchup shaped by the past, charged by the present, and important for the future — exactly the kind of game college basketball fans love.
