CHAPEL HILL, NC -- After practice in the "Dean Dome" Monday night, first-year South Carolina State head coach Tim Carter huddled up with his team at mid-court.

He told the Bulldogs stories of upsets past. He told them that nobody believed they could do the impossible...and, then he told them how to do just that.

"I got them at the center circle, and I told them to give me a great genius plan on how we are going to win the ball game," Carter said, "because, nobody is going to give us a chance to win. I told the guys all we have to do to beat this team is to hit every shot we take."

Indeed, if South Carolina State hits every shot it takes from the field in tonight's 7:30 matchup against the top-ranked team in the nation, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels, it stands a very good chance of winning. Anything less, and the Bulldogs chances don't look so hot.

"I feel like...you know how the gladiators felt going into the lion's den?" Carter said. "Well, that is kind of how I feel right now. I uhhh...I uhhh... in trying to build a basketball program I think I would have done things differently with the schedule. But, it's done a year in advance, and that is the hand we are dealt. We just have to go out and do the best we can to represent our institution."

The 2-0 Tar Heels feature All-American forward Tyler Hansbrough as well as forward Danny Green and guards Ty Lawson, Wayne Ellington and Marcus Ginyard. The Tar Heels' weakness...well, Carter doesn't see one.

"We've got to look out for the ball boys," he said. "They are an absolutely phenomenal team. They have five to seven high school All-Americans. Hansbrough is an All-American, Ty Lawson is a great point guard...they have no weaknesses. It's a David and Goliath situation, and Roy (Williams) is going to do the same thins as us. He is going to try to get better each game he plays."

Monday, Carter watched as his team walked into the "Dean Dome," with cameras in hand.

"I've got guys walking in and taking pictures...it's just crazy," he said. "So, you have to bring a little humor to the fact that we play an absolutely fabulous basketball team. Our number one objective is to get better and try and lay a foundation. Our guys are giving us a great effort, and the first thing you have to have in any sport to build a foundation is effort and attitude."

But, even effort and attitude may not be enough for 0-3 SCSU tonight. The Tar Heels are coming off a 107-72 win over Iona in which Hansbrough had 27 points and Green added 15. Looking at them on film, Carter has been nothing less but impressed.

"When you play these types of games, the thing that jumps out is size and strength," he said. "They are just humongous inside. They have great speed, and their strength coach has earned every dime they have paid him. They look like Greek Gods.

"I probably would not have like the schedule like it is," he added. "You want to build some confidence in your players. But, we just have to go with the hand we have been dealt. My main concern is our confidence. I hope our guys don't get down, and that they keep a positive attitude because it is a long season. By no means are we coming out with a defeatist attitude. We are coming here to get better."

T&D Sports Editor Brian Linder can be contacted via e-mail at blinder@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5553. Check out his blog, Welcome to Linderland, at www.thetandd.com.

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