In a closely contested preseason matchup, the University of North Carolina (UNC) Tar Heels edged out the Memphis Tigers 84-76 in the Hoops for St. Jude Tip Off Classic on Tuesday night. The game, held at FedExForum in Memphis, offered a tantalizing preview of both teams’ potential for the upcoming 2024-25 season.
Trimble’s Breakout Performance
Junior guard Seth Trimble emerged as the unexpected star of the night, delivering a career-defining performance with 33 points. Trimble’s offensive arsenal was on full display as he consistently drove to the rim and even connected from beyond the arc. His 14 first-half points set the tone for UNC, and he continued his dominance throughout the game. While this total doesn’t officially count towards his career statistics, it far surpasses his previous high of 12 points in regular-season play.
Cadeau’s Playmaking Prowess
Sophomore point guard Elliot Cadeau quietly orchestrated the Tar Heels’ offense with precision. Cadeau recorded a double-double, notching 11 points and dishing out 13 assists while committing only three turnovers. His improved three-point shooting was evident as he connected on a pair of shots from distance, showcasing his offseason development.
Game Flow and Challenges
UNC dominated the first 15 minutes of the second half, building a comfortable 76-61 lead with just six minutes remaining. However, the Tar Heels’ control wavered in the closing minutes. A flurry of turnovers – 11 in the second half alone, including six in the final five minutes – allowed Memphis to narrow the gap, turning what seemed like a blowout into a tense finish.
Roster Adjustments and Notable Absences
The Tar Heels played without their star guard RJ Davis, who was sidelined as a precautionary measure following a hard fall in Saturday’s Blue-White scrimmage. This absence forced UNC to adjust its rotation, resulting in a starting lineup of Seth Trimble, Jae’Lyn Withers, Cade Tyson, Jalen Washington, and Elliot Cadeau.
Rebounding Battle
Early in the game, UNC struggled to contain Memphis on the offensive glass, conceding eight second-chance points in the first 5:30. However, the Tar Heels regrouped and tightened their rebounding efforts, allowing just two second-chance points for the remainder of the game. Freshman Cade Tyson led the charge with nine rebounds, while Jae’Lyn Withers contributed eight before fouling out.
Areas for Improvement
Despite the victory, the game highlighted several areas where UNC needs refinement:
- Three-point shooting: The Tar Heels shot a modest 8-for-24 (33.3%) from beyond the arc.
- Free throw efficiency: UNC’s 16-for-25 (64%) performance at the line leaves room for improvement.
- Ball security: 19 total turnovers, with 11 in the second half, nearly cost them the game.
- Closing out games: The team’s struggle to maintain their lead in the final minutes is a concern for head coach Hubert Davis.
Freshman Spotlight
Highly-touted freshman Ian Jackson experienced a challenging debut, going scoreless in the first half with a -16 plus/minus in just 9:36 of playing time. However, Jackson showed resilience, bouncing back in the second half to contribute and improve his overall impact on the game.
Looking Ahead
This early exhibition provided valuable experience for UNC’s roster, particularly in managing late-game pressure situations. The Tar Heels will face Johnson C. Smith in their final preseason game on October 27 at the Dean E. Smith Center before tipping off their regular season against Elon on November 4.
Coach Hubert Davis will likely use the insights gained from this game to fine-tune his squad’s performance, with a particular focus on maintaining leads and improving shooting efficiency. The return of RJ Davis to the lineup is expected to address some of the challenges faced in this game, particularly in ball-handling and perimeter shooting.
With the season approaching, this hard-fought victory against a tough Memphis team suggests that the Tar Heels have the potential for a strong campaign, provided they can address the areas of concern exposed in this preseason clash.