The Wolfpack is looking to win back to back games against its biggest rivals as it takes on the Tar Heels tonight in the RBC Center. The game is one of the Pack’s biggest games of the season and coach Sidney Lowe is currently hard at work preparing for the game against the defending National Champions, the Tar Heels. ‘ State, 13-7 (2-4 in ACC) is coming off of a 88-64 loss against Maryland, but Lowe is looking for his team to bounce back and step up to the challenge the Heels, who have a 12-7 (1-3 in ACC) record. The Tar Heels have struggled lately as they have lost their last three games, knocking them out of the top-25 and 11th place in the ACC. But no matter how the team is struggling the Pack understands what the Heels are capable of. ‘ ‘We got another task at hand, a tough ball game coming up. We have to be ready to come out and play the way we’re capable of. We have to create opportunities and defend,’ Lowe said. ‘ Lowe thinks that the tradition behind the rivalry will bring the best out of his team, even though UNC has won nine of the last 10 meetings, including a 93-76 win at the RBC Center and a 89-80 win in Chapel Hill. ‘ ‘It’s all because of history, tradition of the two schools and obviously the proximity and location,’ Lowe said. ‘As a player it’s a great deal; it’s a great rivalry. It’s one of the best rivalries in the country, and it will always be.’ ‘ As someone who has experienced the frenzy surrounding this game firsthand, Lowe calls upon his experience as a player to help his team. But he is careful not to place too much pressure on his players. ‘ ‘We can’t ever put the weight of the past on these guys because they weren’t part of that,’ Lowe said. ‘To put a negative thought in your mind about what’s happening — I wouldn’t do that.’ ‘ The play of guard Farnold Degand will also be critical to the team in defeating the Tar Heels.’ He has been averaging nine points per game throughout the ACC schedule, and Lowe feels that his play when he is on the floor with guard Javier Gonzalez elevates the entire team. ‘ ‘I think Farnold is giving us that other guard for us. One [gives] us speed, gives us another ball handler, and several teams double [Gonzalez], Farnold will bring it up the floor,’ Lowe said. ‘Plus from that position, he’s created shots for other people because of his speed and quickness and ability to get inside. We have two guys on the floor like that. It makes us a different ball club.’ ‘ But, at the end of the day, Lowe feels that the most exciting part of this rivalry comes down to the enthusiasm that comes from the fan base of both schools. ‘ ‘A Carolina fan might be your next-door neighbor,’ Lowe said. ‘I think [you will] be able to tell from the fans what it means. That’s important.’