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North Carolina men's basketball overcomes slow start to defeat NCCU 73-67

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UNC first year guard RJ Davis (4) yells to a teammate during a game against N.C. Central in the Smith Center on Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. UNC beat N.C. Central 73-67. 

North Carolina’s No. 16 men’s basketball team defeated North Carolina Central University  on Saturday with a final score of 73-67.

What happened?

It was a difficult start for the Tar Heels in the early going. Turnovers hindered the team in the first half, as UNC finished with nine in the period. After holding a 6-4 lead, the Eagles took over and North Carolina was down by as many as 11 about eight minutes into the game. The Tar Heels went 0-7 from the 3-point line and struggled from the field overall. UNC only made nine field goals in the first half, with sophomore center Armando Bacot being the lone Tar Heel with multiple field goals made. 

North Carolina began to develop a rhythm late in the half, as the team continued to feed Bacot and give him opportunities to score at the free throw line. The team also began to strengthen its presence on the glass, winning the rebounding battle in the first half. 

UNC managed to take the lead right before the end of the half with a layup from first-year guard RJ Davis, making the score 30-28 in favor of the Tar Heels.

The game continued to go back and forth early in the second half. Eight minutes in, UNC held a five-point lead over the Eagles. From there, the Tar Heels went on a 10-0 run to extend the lead to 15 with senior guard Andrew Platek giving UNC its first two made 3-pointers of the game. First-year forward Day’ron Sharpe also began to provide a larger presence on the offensive end, getting easy looks at the rim. The Tar Heels faltered at the end once the bench came in, allowing the Eagles to cut the game to six with 15 seconds left, but North Carolina held on for the 73-67 win.

Who stood out? 

Bacot propelled the Tar Heels throughout the game. When the team struggled to gain an offensive rhythm, Bacot remained aggressive and delivered 15 first-half points for UNC. Many of these points came at the stripe, as he finished the first half with more made free throws than field goals. Bacot tied the game late in the first half before UNC took the lead. He continued to dominate, finishing with game highs in points and rebounds with 19 and 11, respectively.

When was it decided?

UNC seemed to capture all of the momentum midway through the second half after Platek made the first 3-pointer of the game for the Tar Heels, giving the team its first double-digit lead of the game. He made another 3-pointer two possessions later to extend the lead to 13 and converted a layup on the next play, with an assist from first-year guard Caleb Love. From there, UNC held on to win the game.

Why does it matter?

This game moves North Carolina to a record of 4-2 after adding the game to its schedule on Wednesday. The Tar Heels have just one more game remaining before beginning conference play on Dec. 22nd against North Carolina State.

When do they play next?

North Carolina will host No. 22 Ohio State on Dec. 19th, the third ranked opponent the Tar Heels will have faced in their schedule thus far. The game is scheduled to begin at 4:15 p.m.

@jerem11ah

@DTHSports | sports@dailytarheel.com

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