On February 24, 2025, the North Carolina Tar Heels delivered another impressive performance as they defeated the Florida State Seminoles 96-85, marking their fourth consecutive win. This victory, achieved at the Donald L. Tucker Center in Tallahassee, allowed the Tar Heels to solidify their position as they push for postseason opportunities.
North Carolina, led by head coach Hubert Davis, jumped out to an early lead, demonstrating their intention to dominate from the onset. They finished the first half strong, closing out on a 10-4 run to hold a 49-43 advantage at the break. "North Carolina jumped out early with a strong start," noted analysts, showcasing their aggressive playstyle which has been key to their recent success.
The second half saw the Tar Heels pull away decisively, starting with a 12-4 run. This surge put them up 61-47, and they never looked back. Although the Seminoles attempted to fight their way back, trimming the lead to six at one point, every time Florida State scored, UNC responded effectively, extending their lead back to double digits. This highlighted their resilience and relentless pressure on the court.
Despite facing what many considered a disadvantage against Florida State's height and size, the Tar Heels proved their mettle by dominating the boards. They out-rebounded the Seminoles 35-22, showcasing their grit and determination. Notably, forward Ven-Allen Lubin grabbed seven rebounds, and Jae'Lyn Withers contributed five boards, enhancing UNC's ability to create second-chance points. Consequently, the rebounding statistic played a significant role in the outcome of the game.
Offensively, the Tar Heels were firing on all cylinders, finishing the game with 18 assists and multiple players scoring in double figures. They displayed effective ball movement, which was particularly impressive considering the foul trouble they faced during the second half. Guard RJ Davis led the way with 20 points, followed closely by Seth Trimble with 17. Withers added 11 points, and both Lubin and fellow teammates Elliot Cadeau and Jalen Washington chipped in with 10 points each, making for a well-rounded offensive effort.
For North Carolina, this victory was more than just another win; it was a much-needed boost as they approach the end of the regular season. With three games left, including upcoming matches against Miami and Virginia Tech, followed by the highly anticipated showdown against Duke, the Tar Heels are eager to secure their position as they eye the ACC Tournament.
The clash against Florida State marked another chapter in the storied rivalry between these two teams, with North Carolina now aiming to improve their postseason resume. With the previous meet-ups heavily favoring Carolina, this latest victory extends Florida State’s losing streak against the Tar Heels to six games, dating back to the 2020-2021 season.
The focus now shifts to the remaining schedule, with each game carrying substantial weight. For UNC, this game against Florida State offered not only the momentum they crave but also the hope of firming up their playoff chances. "For North Carolina, it was another much-needed win as they look to play themselves off the bubble," underscored the analysts, emphasizing the importance of this win as they chart their path forward.
With the excitement building and rivalries heating up, fans can expect to see high stakes as North Carolina continues to fight for their postseason dreams. North Carolina will need to carry this momentum forward if they hope to make waves not just within the ACC but beyond as they head toward March Madness.