North Carolina Tar Heels: Gonzaga could be a Matchup for the Ages

Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks (3) lays the ball up defended by Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24), Jordan Bell (1) and Dylan Ennis (31) in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2017; Glendale, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Kennedy Meeks (3) lays the ball up defended by Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24), Jordan Bell (1) and Dylan Ennis (31) in the semifinals of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; Mar 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Luke Maye (32) reacts with guard Joel Berry II (2) and forward Kennedy Meeks (3) after making a basket with .3 seconds left against the Kentucky Wildcats in the second half during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. North Carolina won 75-73. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

3.) Bench play

While both teams have a star-studded, fun to watch starting five, they also both feature quality bench players. Both benches have players that are not only capable of producing quality minutes, but also players who can become the star of the game in the blink of an eye.

Here are a few key bench players to look out for:

Zach Collins: The 7-foot freshman produces quality minutes in Gonzaga’s victory over South Carolina, scoring 14 points, 13 rebounds and 6 blocks. Look for him to be a tough matchup for the Tar Heels.

Silas Melson: Melson didn’t have quite the stat-filling performance that Collins had last game, but he still produced 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists. He can also hit some three-balls, shooting 38.9 percent from deep on the season.

More from North Carolina Tar Heels

Luke Maye: The silent assassin has averaged 10.4 points per game, seeming to score every time he touches the ball. Maye has come up with big shots the entire tournament, including his game-winner in Memphis to beat Kentucky*.

*Maye got home from Memphis later that night and still went to his 8:00 AM class the next day.

Nate Britt: While he may not put the ball in the basket very often, the senior has the experience needed to be successful in a big game. He still averages 5.2 points per game and a phenomenal 10 assists per game. Clearly Britt makes an impact off the bench, look for him to provide some quality minutes tonight.

Tony Bradley: The lengthy freshman can grab boards (4.2 rpg) and is scoring 5.8 points per game in the tournament. Look for him to bump around Karnowski a little bit tonight.