Behind incendiary shooting from Justin Jackson and an opportunistic defense, the No. 10 North Carolina basketball team took a 34-22 halftime lead against visiting No. 14 Virginia.
In a matchup featured by College Gameday showcasing the Virginia’s ACC-best defense against UNC’s conference-leading offense, offense won out. The Tar Heels rattled off a 25-4 run from around the fifteen to the five-minute mark of the first half, shooting 11-19 percent from the floor in that stretch.
Jackson figured prominently in UNC’s success. The junior forward had 18 points on 6-8 shooting, including 4-6 from three. At one point, he drove the baseline, kicked a pass out to freshman Seventh Woods, then finished his run with a catch and shoot three from the wing.
While UNC’s defense entered the game the lesser regarded of the two playing, it outplayed the Cavaliers down the stretch of the first half. The Tar Heels forced five turnovers and held Virginia to 0-8 from deep.
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