The college basketball world heard from North Carolina Tuesday night—loudly and unmistakably, leaving San Diego State reeling after a resounding 95-68 victory in the NCAA Tournament's First Four. This impressive win not only silenced skeptics who questioned the Tar Heels' place in March Madness but also showcased their potential as a formidable contender in the tournament.
With RJ Davis leading the charge with 26 points, North Carolina demonstrated offensive prowess and strategic execution against the Aztecs, who had the best field goal percentage defense in the nation. The Tar Heels made 14 three-pointers, capitalizing on their opponents' weaknesses and pushing their lead to as much as 40 points during the game. Guard Seth Trimble remarked, “Part of us wanted to prove the doubters wrong, But we were just focused on us; we were focused on proving ourselves right.”
He expressed how the weight of criticism had indeed motivated the players, stating, “We definitely feel like we've got something to prove.” North Carolina’s coach, Hubert Davis, encouraged his team to ignore the noise and distractions from outside voices, focusing instead on the game itself. He even quoted Proverbs, “Let your eyes look forward; fix your gaze straight ahead,” emphasizing the importance of internal focus over external opinion.
NC's dominance was evident as they surged through the ranks with eight wins in their last ten games, proving their critics wrong. Despite their skeptics, who were vocal about teams like West Virginia and Indiana deserving a spot over the Tar Heels, North Carolina's NET ranking stood favorably—15 spots ahead of West Virginia and 18 spots above Indiana.
Speculation among fans and analysts alike had surrounded NC's selection as the No. 11 seed, the lowest in the school's storied history. Despite the doubts, Davis reiterated, “I don’t have any thoughts on social media ... that would be negligent on my part to comment on something I've never read or never heard.”
The result against San Diego State was more than just a win; it was a declaration of their readiness to reclaim their status in NCAA basketball, reminiscent of their strong finish during the 2022 season that took them to the national championship game.
The evening concluded with the Tar Heels gearing up for their Round of 64 match against the No. 6 seed Ole Miss, set for 4:05 PM ET on Friday, March 21, 2025, in Milwaukee. This matchup will mark the first face-off between the teams in men’s basketball since the 1920s. Ole Miss's squad, featuring Sean Pedulla and Jaemyn Brakefield, will present a significant challenge.
The upcoming game against the Rebels will have the Tar Heels aiming not only for victory but also to continue proving their worth following the stirring win over San Diego State. Both players from Ole Miss hold a checkered history against UNC, with Pedulla averaging 14.9 points and Brakefield recording just 2 points in previous matchups.
If North Carolina emerges victorious, they will face either the No. 3 seed Iowa State Cyclones or the No. 14 seed Lipscomb Bisons in the Round of 32 on Sunday, March 23, 2025. After their impressive performance on Tuesday, the Tar Heels are determined to keep their momentum alive as they press forward in the NCAA Tournament.
Overall, the victory over San Diego State was a perfect blend of redemption and strength, synonymous with what it means to be a North Carolina Tar Heel. With a determined squad and a focused mindset, they're on a mission to ascend the ranks of NCAA basketball once again, amidst the fanfare and fervor of March Madness.
North Carolina fans can anticipate an exhilarating journey ahead, blending hope, redemption, and tenacity as they continue their tournament adventure.
