Davis and Bacot Propel No.8 UNC to 65-55 Win Over No.16 Clemson

North Carolina’s Coach Lauds Teamwork for Win Against Clemson

Hubert Davis, coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, underscored the importance of team communication in their recent triumph over the Clemson Tigers. Davis expressed his satisfaction with his players taking the lead in strategizing during critical moments of the game.

Key contributors to the Tar Heels’ 65-55 victory were RJ Davis, who scored 14 points, and Armando Bacot, who added another 14 points and 16 rebounds. The win marked a 3-0 start in the Atlantic Coast Conference for the Tar Heels, first since the 2015-16 season.

The Tar Heels’ Strategy

Bacot, a seasoned player in his fifth year, emphasized the team’s focus on maintaining sharpness in a competitive environment. This approach was seen as essential for overcoming a formidable Clemson team, which was the ACC’s top-ranked team in the NET standings last week.

Despite struggling initially, RJ Davis, the ACC’s leading scorer, stepped up to the plate when it mattered most. His timely 3-pointer helped the Tar Heels overcome Clemson’s four-point lead and shift momentum in their favor.

Defensive Struggle and Player Performances

The game was marked by a defensive clash, with both teams ranking in the bottom half of the ACC for defense. The Tar Heels, however, managed to dominate defensively, holding the Tigers to a 0-of-8 shooting record from behind the arc in the first half. Chase Hunter and Ian Schieffelin led the Tigers with 17 and 16 points, respectively.

Implications of the Game Result

The Tar Heels’ victory signifies their capacity to win a challenging and physical game, even when star players like RJ Davis and Bacot are not at their peak. However, for the Tigers, the defeat, coupled with a previous loss to Miami, marks a departure from their strong start to the season.

Next Game

Up next for the Tar Heels is a match against North Carolina State on Wednesday night.