UNC men's basketball survives N.C. State, 63-61, despite late-game comeback from Wolfpack

The UNC men's basketball team (11-6, 4-1 ACC) survived, 63-61, against the N.C. State Wolfpack (9-7, 2-3 ACC) on Saturday afternoon in the Lenovo Center. 

Junior center Jalen Washington's 11 point, 11 rebound double-double and three blocks alongside first-year guard Ian Jackson's 21 point performance pushed the Tar Heels to a win over the Wolfpack. Despite N.C. State's late-game comeback, a two-handed slam and block from Washington in the last 41 seconds secured the win. 

UNC started rough. After losing the tipoff, N.C. State recorded back-to-back possessions where the team grabbed two offensive boards, resulting in an early 2-0 lead. But two layups on the fast break from junior center Jalen Washington and graduate guard RJ Davis gave UNC a 4-2 lead. 

As the Wolfpack went on a over two minute scoring drought, North Carolina continued to score, going on a 6-0 run with the help of junior forward Ven-Allen Lubin and Davis.

But as the Tar Heels tried to pull away behind dead 3-point shooting and sloppy play, senior guard Marcus Hill was N.C. State's calling card. As the red-clad team went 5-23 through the first 10 minutes of play, Hill recored all 10 points. 

Slow play continued, but the Wolfpack seemed to be gaining some momentum. After Hill tipped the ball in, Middlebrooks drew an and-1. The Tar Heels went on a three minute scoring drought before Washington tipped the ball in to end it. 

Former Tar Heel Dontrez Style scored four quick points on back-to-back possession after senior forward Jae'lyn Withers failed to keep up with the guard. The Wolfpack led 17-14 with over six minutes remaining. 

First-year guard Drake Powell made a much-needed 3-pointer for the Tar Heels  to kickoff a 10 point run. The three marked the first one of the game after 13 combined attempts from both squads. UNC led 24-17 with less than three minutes remaining in the half,

N.C. State's Michael O'Connell cut the run short with a three, but Jackson scored one last shot to push UNC ahead 26-20 as the Wolfpack went scoreless for the last 2:24. The Wolfpack went 9-20 in the opening half.

In the opening five minutes of the second half, the two teams traded baskets. Jackson opened play with a 3-pointer, but N.C. State responded later with two back-to-back treys from Jayden Taylor with the latter igniting a 9-0 run. Then, the Wolfpack's Dennis Parker Jr. made a layup to push the score to 35-32. 

After Jackson fouled Parker on the ensuing possession, the Wolfpack player made two free throws to make it a one-point game. Junior guard Seth Trimble traveled on the next possession. On the other side of the floor, N.C. State recorded two offensive rebounds to notch the second chance points and take the lead, 36-35, with 13 minutes remaining. The Tar Heel didn't score for over four minutes. 

UNC worked to retake the lead. Washington made hit both shots from the throw line. Trimble slammed the dunk. Jackson made the layup. Trimble recorded a fast break layup. Davis hit a three. And with over 9 minutes left, the Tar Heels led 47-42. 

Although North Carolina amped up the pressure, N.C. State worked to make it one possession game. O'Connell made both free throws and Hill made the layup on a fastbreak. After Jackson fouled Taylor, the Wolfpack player hit both free throws to make the game 56-53 with over four minutes remaining. 

Back-to-back points from O'Connell and Hill made it a one-point game at 58-57, forcing UNC to call a timeout. 

With over two minutes remaining, Hill hit the jumper but Jackson responded with a three. Hill made a layup on the next possession to tie it up 61-61. 

After Hill turned the ball over due to Trimble's defense, North Carolina called a timeout with 41 seconds remaining. 

Although Cadeau almost got lost the ball, the sophomore found Washington in the post for a slam to take the lead. Washington recorded a block to snuff any hopes the Wolfpack had left. 

The Tar Heels will return home to take on California at 7 p.m. on Wednesday. 

@_emmahmoon

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