MSU

1) Dominate the glass: In order for the Spartans to win, they’ll have to take advantage of the one clear edge they have in this game: rebounding. Against Villanova, North Carolina was pounded 50-46 on the glass despite the fact the Wildcats attempted 17 more field goals. Rebounding, especially on the offensive glass, will be crucial against a team that scores as many points as North Carolina.

2) Avoid big runs: No team in the nation can change the outlook of the game as quickly as North Carolina, which kills teams with lengthy scoring runs. To prevent the Tar Heels from going on big scoring surges, MSU head coach Tom Izzo said he’ll have to use his timeouts wisely.

3) Don’t panic: At some point, North Carolina will go on a scoring run. The key for MSU will be to stop the bleeding before it’s too late. North Carolina is not a great defensive squad, so a double-digit deficit isn’t insurmountable so long as the Spartans stay within themselves and don’t panic by straying away from their game plan.

North Carolina

1) Play well early: If the Tar Heels start the game on a scoring tear, it could go a long way in deflating the crowd and rattling MSU’s confidence. Regardless of the reasons MSU struggled during its first meeting with North Carolina, the Spartans likely are still a bit emotionally fragile about the Dec. 3 beatdown.

2) Stop Lucas: Just like Ty Lawson does for North Carolina, sophomore guard Kalin Lucas drives MSU’s roster. Take away his keys, and the Spartans won’t have any sense of direction. If Lawson can stop Lucas’ penetration, it could be another long night for the Spartans.

3) Keep running: The Tar Heels are at their best when they’re on the run. If they are able to impose that style and make this a 40-minute track meet, it’s hard to imagine they would lose.