Overview
- North Carolina's inclusion in the NCAA Tournament has drawn criticism due to their limited significant wins and struggles against top defensive teams.
- San Diego State enters the matchup with a strong defensive profile, ranking first in block rate and sixth in defensive effective field goal rate.
- The Tar Heels have only two wins against NCAA Tournament teams this season, including UCLA and American, and a 1-11 record against top 35 defenses.
- San Diego State boasts notable victories over Houston and Creighton but faced setbacks, including an early Mountain West Tournament exit and injuries to key players.
- The winner of the First Four game will advance to the main bracket as the 11-seed in the South Region to face Ole Miss.