To have a Tar Heel legacy game is never easy, but to do it in the final game, against your arch-rival in enemy territory is simply special.
That’s exactly what [autotag]Cormac Ryan[/autotag] did, delivering a career night and helping UNC sweep Duke off their court. Ryan finished with a career-high 31 points, including six threes (75%), playing a significant part in the victory. His six threes tie Hubert Davis for the most made in a single game by Tar Heel when playing in Cameron Indoor.
“He was huge. Obviously, his ability to be able to make shots, but just as important (was) his experience,” Davis said after the game. “Having a guy that’s been at this stage, even though was from another school, he’s played here. He’s been on the stage, he understands what it takes in order to make plays to even have a chance to win in this type of game against this type of team.”
The extraordinary performance is on the Heels of Ryan’s big game against his former team, where he finished with 14 points, shooting 40% from three. Ryan became the seventh Tar Heel to score 30 or more points at Duke, joining Davis, Luke Maye, Billy Cunningham, Doug Moe, Lennie Rosenbluth, and Michael Jordan per the school.
Cormac Ryan vs Duke
31 PTS (6-8 3PT) 🔥 pic.twitter.com/o05edBKrgj
— Tar Heel Tapes (@TarHeelTapes) March 10, 2024
Ryan also got it done at the free throw line, finishing with a career-high nine makes in 10 attempts. Simply put, it was a remarkable performance by Ryan, who delivered when UNC counted on him.
“He did step up knocking down threes, but defensively, his presence, his poise,” Davis said. “His leadership in the huddles, during halftime (and) before the game. It’s just meant so much to this team and this program.”
If Ryan can continue this type of play during the NCAA tournament, cutting the nets could be in the future.
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