UNC men's basketball defeats Davidson behind Justin Jackson's 27 points

After a sluggish start, the No. 7 North Carolina men's basketball team upped its game and defeated Davidson, 83-74, at home Wednesday. It was far from a stellar performance for the Tar Heels, but they were able to take care of business and hold off a late rally from a good mid-major program while playing without injured point guard Joel Berry.

What happened?

In the first four minutes of the game, UNC (9-1) did everything it could to help Davidson (5-3). North Carolina turned the ball over and senior forward Isaiah Hicks went to the bench with two fouls. 

With the Tar Heels down 10-3, Roy Williams turned to the second unit. Sophomore Luke Maye scored a quick five points, Seventh Woods hit a hanging layup and the defense smothered Wildcats leading scorer Jack Gibbs. 

When the starters returned, they were ready to play, as Justin Jackson hit four 3-pointers to put the Tar Heels up 42-32 at the half. In the second half, North Carolina stretched the lead to 15, but Gibbs always had an answer to keep the deficit under control. 

After a few empty possessions from UNC, a basket by Davidson's Peyton Aldridge cut the lead to five with just 2:51 remaining, and a subsequent dunk by Will Magarity made it a three-point game. The Tar Heels continued to struggle offensively, but forwards Kennedy Meeks and Hicks both crashed the boards and were fouled after securing offensive rebounds. They both hit their free throws to push the lead to seven, and UNC was eventually able to hold on for the win.

Who stood out?

With Berry out with a sprained ankle, North Carolina needed Jackson to carry the load offensively. After being a 29 percent 3-point shooter over two seasons, Jackson looks like he has finally turned the corner. 

Although Jackson missed his first 3-pointer, he hit his next four to open up a lead for the Tar Heels in the first half. In the second half, Jackson hit three more long-range bombs and tied his career high with 27 points. Jackson has always had good form on his shot, but he has finally become a consistent shooter the Tar Heels can count on.

When Williams subbed out his five starters at the beginning of the game, Maye made it hard for Williams to take him off the floor. Maye has never been known for his scoring, but he carried the second unit offensively by working in the post and hitting a 3-pointer. Maye scored a career-high 10 points to go along with six rebounds, and the Tar Heels needed every bit of his energy after a slow start from Hicks and Meeks.

When was it decided?

Hicks’ two free throws put UNC up by seven with less than one minute remaining and took the air out of the Davidson comeback attempt.

Why does it matter?

The Tar Heels were able to get a win against a quality opponent without one of their best players, but they will not be particularly proud of their performance. Although they led for the majority of the game, the slow start and sloppy play that allowed Davidson back into the game in the second half will have to be corrected heading into conference play.

Where do they play next?

UNC plays Tennessee at home Sunday at 5 p.m.

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