CHAPEL HILL, N.C.—The North Carolina Tar Heels brought their A-game to the Smith Center on Saturday, defeating the Virginia Cavaliers with impressive teamwork and skill, wrapping up the match with a decisive score of 81-66. The win marked the Tar Heels' third consecutive victory, bolstering their hopes for consideration for the NCAA Tournament.
North Carolina burst out of the gate with ferocity, racing to a remarkable 21-2 lead within the first nine minutes of the game. Jae'Lyn Withers was particularly dynamic, showcasing his skills by posting 16 points and securing 11 rebounds, along with hitting four three-pointers on six attempts. Coach Hubert Davis noted, "They've been feisty, extremely competitive and short-tempered...I feel like we're getting...better. I'm just really proud of the guys." Withers, reflecting on his own performance, mentioned, "I would say it's just been not only the leadership...but as well as me being more expressive with my emotions and energy. I think it's contagious at times."
Despite Virginia's slow start, the Cavaliers showed resilience as they tried to claw back. After facing early struggles—hitting just one of their first nine shots—they adapted and managed to pull within single digits before halftime thanks to the efforts of Andrew Rohde and Dai Dai Ames, who each scored 15 points. The Tar Heels, on the other hand, maintained composure, closing the half at 46-34.
After the break, UNC continued to display its offensive prowess, especially through their prolific long-range shooting. The team finished the game shooting 56.3% from three-point range, demonstrating their precision with 9 of 16 successful attempts. Ian Jackson made significant contributions off the bench, efficiently scoring 16 points on just seven shots. The coordination between him and Withers was evident, showcasing UNC’s adaptability and depth.
The Cavaliers faced their own struggles, shooting only 41.4% from the field during the second half, including just 1 of 11 from beyond the arc. Ron Sanchez, the Virginia head coach, acknowledged the challenge his team faced, stating, "Carolina has been shooting the ball really well...Jae'Lyn Withers, particularly, has been having...a fantastic stretch."
UNC's impressive rebounding performance was another key factor, as they out-rebounded the Cavaliers 35-21 and scored 17 second-chance points due to relentless offensive boards. Ven-Allen Lubin also left his mark with 14 points, showcasing UNC's ability to work together both offensively and defensively.
Throughout the game, the Tar Heels never once trailed, marking their third consecutive game maintaining this advantage after previously dominating Syracuse and NC State. Drake Powell contributed to the balanced scoring attack with 11 points, significantly impacting both ends of the floor with his defense and scoring ability.
Despite Virginia's efforts to fight back, the Tar Heels answered every challenge. Carolina took its first 20-point lead at 77-57 with just over six minutes remaining, displaying complete control over the game. The final score of 81-66 reflected the Tar Heels’ comprehensive dominance and their growing chemistry on the court.
The victory improved North Carolina's record to 17-11 overall and 10-6 within the Atlantic Coast Conference, securing their 48th season with at least 10 ACC wins. This achievement not only highlights their commitment to the season but also their potential push for the NCAA Tournament, which is increasingly appearing within reach.
Next, the Tar Heels will face off against Florida State on Monday night before returning home to host Miami, as Coach Davis emphasized the importance of carrying this momentum forward. The outlook seems bright for North Carolina as they continue to build on their recent success and solidify their presence in the competitive ACC.