CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Despite a pretty shaky start, RJ Davis once again proved why he’s one of the ACC’s premier players, scoring 10 of North Carolina’s final 21 points to help propel the Tar Heels to a 90-76 victory over Elon in their season opener on Monday night. While Davis’ late-game heroics were key, several other Tar Heels made significant contributions, and Elon proved to be a surprisingly tough opponent throughout the contest.
As the clock ticked down with just over 7 minutes remaining, North Carolina’s once-comfortable 16-point lead had disappeared. Elon, led by senior guard Nick Dorn, fought back to tie the game at 69, and shortly after, TJ Simpkins put the Phoenix up by two with a pair of free throws. With the game in the balance, UNC turned to its veteran leader.
Davis had endured a frustrating shooting night, making just 3-of-13 attempts from the field and 1-of-7 from beyond the arc. However, after re-entering the game with the score tied, Davis quickly found his rhythm. Over the final stretch, he knocked down five consecutive points, including a smooth floater to tie the game, followed by a corner three-pointer off an assist from his teammate Jae’Lyn Withers. That 5-0 burst helped the Tar Heels regain the lead and set the stage for a decisive late-game run.
“I just told myself, ‘The next one’s gonna go in,'” Davis said after the game. “I’ve had those nights before. I just stayed confident, kept shooting, and knew my teammates and coaches had my back.”
Davis finished with 24 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, and 2 steals showcasing his all-around game and leadership. He shot an off 7-of-19 from the field and 3-of-11 from three-point range.
Key Contributions from UNC’s Supporting Cast
While Davis was the undeniable standout in the final minutes, UNC’s depth was also on display. Guard Elliot Cadeau was electric, scoring 17 points to go along with 8 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks, and 4 rebounds. Cadeau was a spark for the offense, especially when the game was hanging in the balance. He displayed improved shot-making, with that same scoring ability on the drive and playmaking to keep the Tar Heels steady, as he hit several critical 3-point shots to maintain the lead when Elon was threatening.
“I was just trying to stay calm and take what the defense gave me,” said Cadeau. “Coach Davis told me to stay aggressive, and my teammates helped me find my rhythm. It’s a great feeling to start the season with a win.”
Jalen Washington added 8 points and 4 rebounds. His physicality inside was crucial, especially in the second half when the Tar Heels needed to control the paint. Washington’s timely dunk off a Davis assist and his ability to finish around the rim helped keep UNC’s offense flowing when Elon was closing in.
Jae’Lyn Withers was a key contributor, although a mix bag at times. He added 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Seth Trimble is no doubt a very athletic player who has gotten even better during the off-season, contributing 11 points and providing a spark on both ends of the floor. Trimble’s defensive tenacity disrupted Elon’s offense during key stretches, and his ability to score in transition helped North Carolina stay ahead when the game tightened in the second half.
The Tar Heel fans are really excited about the possibilities of Ian Jackson and Drake Powell, who each notched 5 points and solid play in their first game action. There is only more growth to come!
Elon’s Resilient Challenge
While UNC ultimately came out on top, Elon played a much stronger game than many expected. The Phoenix were led by senior guard Nick Dorn, who had a standout performance, finishing with a team-high 17 points. Dorn was especially effective from three-point range, hitting 5-of-10 attempts and keeping Elon within striking distance all night. His ability to space the floor and make tough shots from the perimeter was a key factor in the game’s competitiveness.
Elon’s TJ Simpkins also had a solid showing, contributing 18 points and 5 rebounds, while forward Sam Sherry contributed a solid 15 points and 8 rebounds. Despite their impressive individual efforts, Elon simply ran out of gas late as UNC turned up the intensity and closed the game on an 11-0 run in just over a minute and a half.
“We gave ourselves a chance, but UNC is a really talented team, and they made the plays when it counted,” said Elon head coach Billy Taylor. “I’m proud of how our guys fought, but we’ll need to keep working on finishing games like that.”
Coach Hubert Davis Reflects on the Win
“Games like this show you a lot about your team,” said Hubert Davis after the game. “RJ stepped up when we needed him, but I also saw a lot of positives from guys like Elliot, Jalen, and Seth. We have a lot of talent, but we’ve got to get better at closing out games. Tonight was a good first step.”
Davis’ leadership and clutch play were on full display, but his teammates’ efforts made it a true team win. With Cadeau’s composure, Washington’s physical presence, and Trimble’s defensive energy, UNC showed its depth — even if it wasn’t the cleanest of performances.
Final Thoughts
While the game was a little sloppy at times and closer than expected, North Carolina ultimately showed its experience and depth to pull out the win. RJ Davis’ late-game scoring was the headline, but performances from freshman Elliot Cadeau, Jalen Washington, and Seth Trimble were vital to the Tar Heels’ success.
For Elon, Dorn and Simpkins were standout performers, and the Phoenix demonstrated that they’ll be a formidable opponent in the CAA this season. While the 90-76 loss stings, Elon proved they can compete with high-level programs, and they will certainly be a team to watch moving forward.