Instant reactions to UNC’s men’s basketball opener against Elon

Nov 4, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) reacts with guard Cade Tyson (5) after dunking the ball in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

In any team’s first game of the college basketball season, there’s expected to be a little – or a lot – of rust.

When you’re the North Carolina Tar Heels, an expected ACC contender playing against Elon at home, you’re hoping for a big blowout win.

UNC almost suffered an extremely embarrassing loss against the Phoenix on Monday night, but rallied late for an 90-76 victory.

Preseason ACC Player of the Year RJ Davis was THE X-factor in North Carolina’s ability to pull away, scoring five consecutive points to give his team the lead for good, then later draining his third and final 3-pointer to unofficially put the opener out of reach (85-73 with 1:45 to go).

The Tar Heels gave nearly everyone in their rotation playing time – and it paid off. Jae’Lyn Withers recorded a double-double in extended action, grabbing 10 points and 10 rebounds. Seth Trimble initially led UNC with 12 points, then Davis and Elliot Cadeau later surpassed him. Drake Powell, Ian Jackson and Cade Tyson struggled offensive in their North Carolina debuts, but they found other ways to contribute.

The Tar Heels will figure out their rotation as their season progresses, but if they want to challenge Kansas on Friday, they’ll need to figure out something quick.

Regardless, UNC is 1-0 and we can all finally breathe. Let’s take a dive into the college basketball world and get people’s take on tonight’s result.

RJ Davis showed why he’s the country’s best player

Nov 4, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard RJ Davis (4) and forward Jalen Washington (13) react in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

Every UNC basketball fan should be extremely thankful for RJ Davis deciding to return for a fifth year.

Tonight, Davis…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-reactions-uncs-mens-basketball-142149559.html

Author : Tar Heels Wire

Publish date : 2024-11-05 14:21:00

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