A big basketball game in the Magic City tomorrow…UAB is taking on last year’s NCAA champions in the NIT Quarterfinal, making the Blazer/Tarheel matchup the hottest ticket in town.

"We are so excited about this game. Everything is on the line pretty much here. We’re hoping to get to Madison Square Garden next round. But we gotta beat the Tarheels first,” said UAB student Emily Craig.

It’s a sold-out game that's got thousands of fans anxious to go.

"I’m pretty excited that a top-seated school will be here in Birmingham for the first time, while I’m in school here, so that's why I’m going to the game,” said UAB student Vashawn Dixon.

"I think it is UNC being the national champions last year. It’s a big game and of course, it is a post season game. Like I said, it's a big deal here," said UAB student Chris Williams.

But this isn't just any post-season game....it's a chance for college basketball fans to see a top-tiered team in person.

"It’s a former number one team. Defending national champions coming down to UAB Bartow Arena to play our Blazers and we should give them a real good game and we should beat them,” said UAB student Maury Pettway.

Beat them or not, there's optimism in the air...

"Upset in the making. UAB will upset UNC tomorrow. Trust me, mark my words,” said Dixon.

"Hopefully we can get a good twenty point win. Hopefully,” said Craig.

The game is sold out, but for those of you who were lucky enough to get a ticket, make sure to stop by the ticket office as early as you can tomorrow, so you can avoid the lines and be there for the game at 8pm.