The UNC men’s basketball program traveled to Atlanta for an Atlantic Coast Conference showdown against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, and it fast was pace from the start.
The Yellow Jackets’ approach was unique, to say the least, playing to UNC’s pace, despite not having the personnel to keep up, and that would show midway through the first half. The Tar Heels started 2-8 from the field, but the struggles didn’t last long, going on a 15-2 run thanks to both team’s agenda to push the pace.
In UNC fashion, they created sizable leads throughout the first half but allowed the Yellow Jackets to buzz back. The Tar Heels allowed multiple runs, had a four-minute scoring drought, and couldn’t stop Miles Kelly, who had 15 points in the first period.
Despite leading for 15:37 of the 20:00 half, UNC entered the half tied up 37 a piece after allowing a 12-1 Georgia Tech run.
The second half continued to go Georgia Tech’s way, putting UNC’s 10-game win streak in jeopardy. The Yellow Jackets took advantage of the Tar Heels’s miscommunication, slowly extending their lead, and shortening UNC’s chances on the offensive end.
The Tar Heel’s fight never wavered despite everything going wrong, from missed calls to Yellow Jackets difficult shot makes. Still, UNC found themselves down one with under two minutes left to play.
The dramatic final two minutes highlighted why RJ Davis is getting Player of the Year recognition, coming away with a big 50/50 ball that ended in a fast break to give UNC the 73-72 lead with 34 seconds left on the clock.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough, with Georgia Tech’s Freshman Naithan George hitting a clutch bucket after switching onto Armando Bacot. UNC had one last shot in a well-executed play call by Hubert Davis, however, a no-call miss will end the game and UNC’s 10-game win streak.
Player of the Game
The player of the game is who else but RJ Davis? Davis has been electric all season and played a significant role in UNC swatting away the Yellow Jackets to keep their win streak alive. Davis finished with _ points and _ assists.
What’s Next
What’s next for the UNC is arguably the best rivalry in sports today, as they host their arch-rival Duke Blue Devils. Both programs sit at the top of the ACC standings and are threats to win the National Championship. The game buzz is as high as ever and should be a treat for college hoop fans. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:30 Eastern time.