Davis and Ingram Spearhead No.7 UNC’s 67-54 Victory Over Rival NC State

North Carolina and the Tar Heels

North Carolina, led by coach Hubert Davis, has developed a penchant for a fast-paced game. However, during their latest showdown against their rival team, Davis noted the pressure “sped us up” in a game backed by an intimidatingly hostile crowd. The team was able to craft a calculated response, expanding their lead at a critical juncture to remain undefeated in the Atlantic Coast Conference. You can read more about the Tar Heels and their successful season here.

Game Highlights

During their match against North Carolina State, RJ Davis led the scorecard with 16 points, and Harrison Ingram set a new personal record with 19 rebounds. Freshman guard Elliott Cadeau also made a substantial contribution with 11 points and six assists. Their hard work and strategy helped UNC secure a 67-54 victory on Wednesday night, marking a significant accomplishment for the team.

In the second half, the Tar Heels effectively dictated the pace of the game. RJ Davis, currently leading the ACC in scoring with an average of 20.6 points per game, made a big impact post-break, scoring 11 points. His 3-pointer at the 4:06 mark pushed the score to 67-50, effectively silencing the home crowd of the Wolfpack.

Impactful Performances

Ingram’s 19 rebounds were the highest any UNC player has ever netted against N.C. State. Furthermore, despite being hindered by foul trouble, Armando Bacot made his presence known with nine points and five rebounds. “In the second half, we had no doubt,” said Bacot with confidence post-game.

However, the Wolfpack struggled to find their offensive rhythm. They managed an overall shooting percentage of just 26.9%, including a meager 2 for 21 from the 3-point line. Their inability to counter UNC’s decisive blows was a significant factor in their defeat. Wolfpack coach Kevin Keatts attributed their defensive struggles to their inability to make shots.

UNC and N.C. State’s ACC Standings

There was an extra intensity to this rivalry meeting as both teams started the match standing at 3-0 or better in the ACC for the first time in 50 years. UNC now stands alone atop the league, off to their first 3-0 start in ACC play since the 2015-16 season. They have also secured three ACC road wins in as many attempts.

On the other hand, the Wolfpack’s 3-0 ACC start marked a first for the program since the 2012-13 season. However, their offense couldn’t find a rhythm against the Tar Heels, posting the program’s worst shooting percentage against their rivals since at least 1954.

Upcoming Matches

The Tar Heels host Syracuse on Saturday, while N.C. State plays at Louisville. Stay updated on AP Top 25 basketball throughout the season by signing up here. For more updates on college basketball, visit https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball.