The UNC men’s basketball program welcomed ACC rival NC State to the Dean Smith Center, and the emotions were running high through social media.
Outside of beating Duke, a chance to silence the Wolfpack’s howl always brings out the best reactions. The Tar Heels took care of business in the first outing between these two, utilizing their high tempo in the second half to run away with the victory.
Saturday’s game was extra special for UNC, with it being Armando Bacot’s and potentially RJ Davis’s last game against NC State. However, the Wolfpack’s first half-play looked to spoil any plans to party on Franklin Street, causing some overreaction on social media.
One of the problems that has been an ongoing issue for UNC, is their inability to defend the three. The Tar Heels has seen teams shoot lights out from behind the arch this season, and NC State continued that by dropping seven triples (64%) in the first half.
Due to their strong shooting, NC State led UNC at the half 45-37, and panic started to settle in that an upset could be on the horizon.
The second half continued the rollercoaster affair, with intense moments popping up as emotions flared, causing players to get into each other faces. UNC quickly wiped away NC State’s lead, going on a 9-3 run in the first four minutes of the second half.
Once UNC retook the lead, they did not look back, reversing NC State’s hot shooting by forcing them into 15 straight missed shots. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels took full advantage, running the score up behind Elliot Cadeau and Harrison Ingram.
It was a special game for Cadeau finishing with 15 points and 7 assists. Ingram dominated on offense, leading all scorers with 22 points and 6 rebounds. Both Tar Heels undeniably played a huge part in Saturday’s win.
The win didn’t come without UNC’s usual dramatic finish. The Tar Heels had full control, before allowing NC State to creep back late. Luckily for UNC, they were able to contain the Wolfpack’s comeback efforts, but the inability to finish in dominating fashion continues to be a concern.
Now that UNC has officially swept NC State in the regular season, silencing their howl, we take a look at the good, bad, and ugly social media reactions to Saturday’s win.