RJ Davis established a Smith Center record with 42 points in UNC’s 75-71 victory over Miami on Monday. Davis’ tremendous offensive effort should have been the game’s main story, but it was nearly overshadowed by the disastrous collapse that came almost immediately after the new record was set. Miami rallied on an 11-0 run to go within two points late, and UNC only escaped because to two important free throws from Jae’Lyn Withers.
Carolina has had difficulties putting teams away recently, and tonight was no exception. They held a comfortable lead over the Hurricanes, but it disappeared fast in the final five minutes. It didn’t help that RJ got little help from his teammates in generating the Heels points – Davis was UNC’s only double-figure scorer. Miami, which was missing Nijel Pack, shot 47% from beyond the arc, making 14 three-pointers in total.
When Carolina couldn’t convert free throws late in the game, the Hurricanes had a chance to win, but they strangely elected to protect four fouls rather than fouling either Davis or Cormac Ryan as precious seconds ticked away. That might have cost them the game.
Davis scored seven three-pointers and went 14-22 from the field en route to setting a new Dean Dome record. He was 7-9 from the free throw line and had six assists. It was a significant contrast from the Virginia game, when he struggled to get past Reece Beekman’s defense. It was a good thing RJ was so efficient, since the Heels needed almost every one of his record-breaking points. Harrison Ingram’s eight points were second on the squad, while Cormac Ryan’s seven points on 3-of-13 shooting were third. Ryan attempted to improve on the game against UVA in which he discovered his shooting stroke, but his 1-9 record from long range was quite cruel.
Carolina committed two less turnovers than Miami (12 to 14), but Miami scored 21 points off those turnovers. UNC scored just 13 points off Miami’s giveaways. UNC also shot 12-21 from the free throw line, including five consecutive misses late in the game that nearly lost them the victory. Armando Bacot was the worst offender, shooting 1-6 from the line. It’s a significant liability in close games where you know your opponent will foul to extend the game. Tonight is almost certainly not the last time their free throw shooting difficulties generate a lot of anxiety in late-game scenarios.
Davis, who should be the conference’s Player of the Year, has had an outstanding season. He hasn’t had to be Superman every night, but they did require him to be Superman tonight. Withers deserves credit as well for coming in after Bacot fouled out late to make two free throws to seal the game when it appeared that there was no way out.
Leave a Reply