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Louisville Basketball: 5 toughest games on the Cards’ 2016-2017 schedule

By Derek Snyder

Dec 26, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino reacts during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena. Kentucky won 75-73. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2015; Lexington, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals head coach Rick Pitino reacts during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena. Kentucky won 75-73. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Brandon Robinson (14) dunks over Tulane Green Wave guard Melvin Frazier (35) and forward Sammis Reyes (12) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Brandon Robinson (14) dunks over Tulane Green Wave guard Melvin Frazier (35) and forward Sammis Reyes (12) during the first quarter of a game at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

3. North Carolina Tar Heels

Where: Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Time: February 22nd at 9:00pm

TV: ESPN

The Tar Heels are easily the second best team in the ACC this season. Just like Virginia, they did lose some key peices from last year’s Final Four team, but the talent they have on the roster is still very, very good. If it wasn’t for Duke, the Tar Heels would be favorites to bring home thier second ACC Championship in-a-row.

This will be a tough enviroment for the Cards to go play in at the end of February. The good news is that these types of games will prepare them for the NCAA tournament. However, I am still not sure they will be good enough to upset the Tar Heels in their own building.

Here is what Athlon Sports said about UNC in their season preview:

"“After losing Johnson and Paige, the Tar Heels won’t start the season as anyone’s favorite to win the NCAA championship. However, an upper-tier finish in the stacked ACC and a return to the Final Four could be within reach. The lack of obvious star power is an issue, but having six upperclassmen with significant experience provides continuity that many other national contenders lack. UNC needs Berry to carry over the consistency he established a year ago and Jackson to emerge as a more efficient scorer. If those things happen and Bradley is ready to be a force in his first college season, the Tar Heels could be poised for another extended postseason run.”"

I do diagree with Athlon Sports in their assessment of the Tar Heels, I do not think they are a Final Four team this season. However, every Louisville fan knows that great coaches make the biggest difference when it comes to the tournament. This could be another great season for UNC fans.

Next: Number Two

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