North Carolina defeated No. 9 Michigan State on Tuesday and did so in impressive fashion. Anyone who thought the Tar Heels were going to waltz into Rupp Arena on Saturday inexperienced and unproven, read on:

– Robbi Pickeral of The News and Observer writes on the Tar Heels slamming the Spartans again

– Her colleague Luke DeCock says that the Heels have gotten off to a good start during a tough stretch

– Mike DeCourcy from Sporting News thinks North Carolina is only going to get better

– Dana O’Neil of ESPN.com reports on the balance of UNC

I had a chance to watch most of the second half — a half in which Michigan State actually stormed back — and I came away very impressed by the depth and balance of Carolina. Ed Davis and Deon Thompson are studs in the frontcourt and guard Larry Drew is quickly becoming a star. If those freshmen continue to develop, UNC will have yet another say in the national championship picture.

Kentucky will have its hands full Saturday afternoon. Should be a great matchup and I can’t wait to watch it.

And before I forget, that race to 2,000 wins is coming closer and closer to a resolution. With the Carolina win Tuesday, UNC now has 1,991 wins. Still, the Tar Heels trail the Cats, who have 1,995 wins.

It’s UK’s to lose. The Cats can bury UNC for good with a win Saturday.