In a thrilling semifinal clash during the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) Tournament, the No. 4 North Carolina Tar Heels showcased their resilience and firepower, overcoming a determined Pittsburgh team to secure a 72-65 victory. The hero of the night? None other than sophomore guard RJ Davis.
RJ Davis Takes Center Stage against Pittsburgh
RJ Davis, the unanimous ACC Player of the Year, delivered a performance for the ages. With 25 crucial points, he orchestrated the Tar Heels’ offensive charge. His ability to create shots, penetrate the defense, and hit timely buckets kept the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Working in tandem with Davis, junior forward Armando Bacot was a force in the paint. Bacot’s 19 points were complemented by an impressive 11 rebounds. His tenacity on the boards and defensive presence disrupted Pittsburgh’s game plan.
The Panthers, led by guard Carlton Carrington (who dropped 24 points), raced out to an early lead. Their sharp three-point shooting put UNC on notice. However, the Tar Heels weathered the storm, chipping away at the deficit.
Despite trailing by as many as nine points in the first half, they refused to back down.
RJ Davis’ Second-Half Surge
The second half belonged to RJ Davis. He attacked the rim relentlessly, drawing fouls and sinking crucial free throws. His 19 second-half points included a pivotal three-pointer that swung the momentum in UNC’s favor. Davis’ poise under pressure was a testament to his maturity.
With this hard-fought win, North Carolina advances to the ACC Tournament final. Their opponent? Either Virginia or North Carolina State—two formidable adversaries. The Tar Heels last appeared in the final in 2018, and a victory would mark their first ACC Tournament title since 2016.
In a fitting scene, legendary coach Roy Williams—who guided the Tar Heels to three national championships—observed from the front row, clad in Carolina blue. The passionate UNC fans, dominating the crowd, cheered their team to victory.
Saturday night promises a showdown for the ages. As the Garden echoes with “Let’s go Tar Heels,” UNC aims to etch its name in ACC history once again. The quest for championship glory continues, and RJ Davis stands at the forefront, ready to lead his team to the ultimate prize.
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