The UNC basketball program got its ACC Tournament underway on Wednesday night and routed Boston College, 85-61.
It was an obvious must-win for the Tar Heels and they showed the energy and passion they needed from the tip.
After a 5-of-23 performance from three in the season finale against Duke, North Carolina hit seven first half 3s en route to a 10-of-23 performance from the perimeter.
UNC’s hot shooting led them to a 14-point halftime lead, but not without some concern. Late in the first half, star forward Armando Bacot went down with an ankle injury and didn’t return for the final 4:34 of the half. He would, however, return and start the second half.
The Tar Heels would stretch its lead to as much as 27 in the second half, thanks to the backcourt duo of RJ Davis and Caleb Love. That pair combined for 40 points on the night on 16-of-32 from the field. They also combined to make seven 3s.
Not only were the shots falling, but UNC’s playmaking was on full display. The ball movement was crisp and moving much better than last time out. The Heels finished with 16 assist on 34 made field goals.
Bacot and Pete Nance both added 10 points as well and UNC got 23 points from its bench. The Tar Heels shot 54.8 percent from the field on the night.
Boston College was held to just 45.3 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three.
UNC will face the No. 2 seeded Virginia on Thursday night at 7 pm ET for a chance to advance to the ACC Semifinals.
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