Pete Nance, the hero, in an epic fight ending in a win for the Tar Heels
UNC By The Numbers For Each Player Against Ohio State
Starters
Bench
Armando Bacot Dominated The Buckeyes Inside
UNC needed every bit of help they could get from their senior big man, Armando Bacot, who is still not even 100% with his shoulder injury, as he said in his postgame interview following the Tar Heels win.
He provided just that and some more.
As Bacot bullied his way inside the paint, he got bucket after bucket as his teammates continued to feed him the ball scoring on eleven of his nineteen shot attempts, shooting 58% from the field. There seemed to be nothing that could stop Bacot from scoring the basketball around the rim while also contributing 15 rebounds, 7 of which were offensive.
This is the type of performance we're all accustomed to as Carolina fans, that we saw many of just a season ago. Bacot became the first player in college basketball history to achieve a double-double in all six games of the NCAA Tournament, which is just outstanding.
More of these kinds of outings from the talented big man from Richmond, Virginia, and UNC could possibly end up right back in the final game of the 2022–2023 collegiate season.
Caleb Love And R.J Davis Shined In Madison Square Garden
In my opinion, the guard play of the Tar Heels, specifically the star studded duo of Caleb Love and R.J Davis is such a deciding factor to UNC's success during games.
This game, under the bright lights of Madison Square Garden, they did not disappoint.
The backcourt combined for a total of 43 points, 48% of UNC's 89 points, as well as 14-33 from the field, converting 42% of their shots.
This kind of effort from Love and Davis meets the expectations of all UNC fans, in my opinion, where their production on a game-by-game basis is so crucial to the Tar Heels coming out victorious.
UNC's Defense Went The Full Length
UNC went to the full-court press in the second half which led to some fuel for their engine as a team, leading to turnovers as well as a five-second violation on the inbound pass.
Carolina's defensive strategy played in their favor as they were able to overcome an 11-point deficit they had with 7 minutes left in the game.
The Tar Heels scratched, fought, and clawed their way back into the game on the defensive end, which I personally thought was an amazing sight to see.
The effort, energy, and toughness Coach Hubert Davis always preaches to this squad was visible.
Hopefully, we see more of this type of gameplay in future matchups to come.
Nance Sent The Game To Overtime
Only contributing a total of 8 points by the end of the game, 2 of Nance's points was the deciding factor of UNC coming out on top.
As said by Armando Bacot in his post game interview he mentioned that it was actually Coach Lebo who drew up that final play of regulation, who usually handles the defense and never really calls the plays. Not Coach Davis who many thought, including myself, was the shot caller in that moment.
Though as by many who were surprised besides the players themselves but the fans, the play worked to perfect execution.
As part of the setup, Davis was spotted in the right corner alone with his man on him, while both Bacot and Love were used as decoys for what looked like a potential screen and shot from beyond the arc.
With only 1.2 seconds left on the shot clock, Black was inbounding the ball, and Nance was on his own island on the left block with a defender on his hip. Then, with the most gracious overhead pass I've ever seen, the ball lands in Nance's hands. He turns around, pulls up over his left shoulder, and nails the jumper at the buzzer.
What an incredible moment for the transfer from Northwestern!
Where it is perhaps known to many Carolina fans, the term "Tar Heel Moment" is a possible name for this play by Nance.
A happy moment was celebrated by his teammates and coaches as UNC was able to win the game, which would not have been possible without the clutch shot made by number 32 in Carolina blue.
Momentum Building Win For Carolina
After going on a four-game losing streak, UNC needed some kind of turnaround-defining game that could possibly help them get back on track for the season.
This game did exactly that, in my opinion.
Facing off against the #23-ranked team in the country, Ohio State, UNC never backed down from beginning to end.
Where they usually played from behind, trailing for most of the game, they overcame all of the deficits upon taking the lead. That went up to as many as 14 points, which seemed almost impossible to erase considering the momentum favored the Buckeyes. Though, that did not place any discouragement towards the Tar Heels as they battled and battled throughout head on. Completing the comeback and winning the highly touted contest.
Continuing their winning streak to three games, UNC looks to flip the script.
UNC Looks To Continue Their Win Streak
UNC plays tomorrow, December 21st, in Charlotte for the Jumpman Invitational. They will be facing off against Michigan, whose record is 7-3 on the season.
In their matchup from last season during the ACC/Big 10 Challenge, UNC came out victorious in Chapel Hill, winning by a score of 72-51. With Love leading the way with a game-high 22 points, he rained down threes and soared to the rim.
The game will be on ESPN at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Can Carolina turn their four-game losing streak into a four-game winning streak?
Only one to way to find out.
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