The North Carolina Tar Heels were able to build a 25-point lead before eventually holding off a Baylor run that sent the game to overtime. And a big reason why they jumped on the Bears early was due to the play of guard R.J. Davis and forward Brady Manek.
Davis scored the Tar Heels’ first 8 points of the game and continued his hot shooting in the first half as UNC had a 13-point lead at the break.
The sophomore guard finished the game with 30 points on 8 of 17 shooting including draining 5 three-pointers. His and-one play late in overtime helped seal things for the Tar Heels. And in the process, he made some history.
Davis became the first UNC player to score 30 points against a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament since the legend Al Wood did so against Virginia in 1981. The 30 points were crucial in UNC’s win that advanced them to the Sweet 16.
R.J. Davis is the 2nd North Carolina player with 30 points in a game against a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament since seeding began in 1979.
The only other Tar Heel to accomplish the feat was Al Wood in 1981 (National Semifinals against Virginia). pic.twitter.com/GyNDdsvdiO
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 19, 2022
The sophomore has taken a big step forward in his game since his freshman season and is developing into more than just a traditional point guard. He’s proving that he can score and do so at an elite level.
Davis has been fantastic this year and with him likely returning for another season, he could get even better and be a bigger weapon for the Tar Heels next season.
Next up, UNC will get the winner of Saint Mary’s and UCLA in the Sweet 16.
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