In a game that was far from aesthetically pleasing, North Carolina managed to squeak out a 63-61 win over NC State on Saturday afternoon. The victory marked a significant milestone for the Tar Heels, who improved their record to 20-6 against the Wolfpack at the Lenovo Center and extended their dominance over State to 39-7 in the last 21 seasons.
While the game may not have featured many highlight-reel moments, it was clear that Carolina had the standout player on the court. Freshman Ian Jackson was that player, delivering his sixth 20-point game of the season with a team-high 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting. Jackson’s offensive production proved crucial for the Heels, especially when the game was tight in the final minutes.
However, it wasn’t just Jackson’s scoring that kept the Tar Heels afloat. Jalen Washington played a pivotal role, recording his first career double-double with 11 points and 12 rebounds. His performance was highlighted by a go-ahead basket with under 30 seconds to play, assisted by freshman Elliot Cadeau. Washington then added a critical block on a potential game-tying shot from State, sealing his place as one of the game’s unsung heroes.
Carolina’s ability to score in transition also played a crucial role in their win. Despite a sluggish offensive flow, the Tar Heels capitalized on fast breaks, scoring 16 points in transition. This was a key difference in a game that saw both teams struggle to find consistent offense.
The Heels’ rebounding woes early in the game nearly cost them the win. NC State dominated the offensive glass in the first quarter, grabbing 10 offensive rebounds on the Wolfpack’s first 21 shots. However, Carolina adjusted defensively, limiting State to just two offensive boards on their next 19 attempts. Fortunately for the Heels, State struggled to make the most of those extra opportunities, converting just four points from their 12 first-half offensive rebounds.
The first half of the game was a far cry from a textbook display of basketball. The Tar Heels took a narrow 26-20 lead into halftime, but both teams combined for a dismal 9-for-21 on layups. The shooting woes extended beyond the paint, with the teams hitting just 3-of-21 from beyond the arc. NC State also had just one assist in the first half, and Marcus Hill was forced to take on an outsized role, attempting 12 shots in the first 9:30 of the game.
As the second half unfolded, Carolina showed flashes of cohesion, but the game remained tightly contested. One of the few aesthetically pleasing moments came when Seth Trimble drove baseline, only to have the defense collapse on him. He made the smart play, finding Drake Powell in the corner, who quickly passed to Jackson. Jackson could have taken the shot but instead made the extra pass to RJ Davis, who knocked down a three-pointer to give the Heels a five-point lead.
In a sign that Coach Hubert Davis is narrowing his rotation, the Tar Heels had to manage the game without the services of Cade Tyson, who did not play for the second straight game. Additionally, Jae’Lyn Withers was held out of the second half, leaving the Tar Heels with fewer options down the stretch. This became apparent when freshman point guard Cadeau went to the bench after committing two turnovers in a critical stretch with five minutes left, leaving Davis to handle point guard duties for the remainder of the game. Davis, who has shown leadership in clutch situations before, did rush a three-pointer with 3:21 left in a three-point game, a decision he may want back in hindsight.
State was without one of its key contributors, Brandon Huntley-Hatfield, who missed the game due to an injury sustained in the previous contest against Notre Dame. Huntley-Hatfield, who has been a solid post option for the Wolfpack this season, could have provided valuable depth in the paint for NC State, particularly in a game where the Wolfpack struggled to capitalize on offensive rebounds.
Despite the tough win, Carolina now gets a much-needed week at home. The Heels will face a pair of familiar ACC opponents, Cal and Stanford, as they look to build on their momentum. This also marks the Tar Heels’ seventh home game of the season, while most other ACC teams have already played more home contests.
In addition to the victory, the Tar Heels also debuted their throwback 1980s jerseys for the second time this season, having worn them previously in their win over UCLA at Madison Square Garden. The retro look has quickly become a fan favorite, adding some style to a hard-fought win.
Seth Trimble, who has not quite regained his early-season form after missing time during the Christmas break, still made his presence felt with timely defense. In the final minute, Trimble locked down Marcus Hill, who had scored three straight baskets to tie the game, forcing a crucial turnover and helping to preserve the Tar Heels’ slim lead.
It wasn’t the prettiest game by any means, but in the end, Carolina did what it needed to do: fight through adversity and get the win. With several key players stepping up, the Tar Heels are well-positioned as they prepare for a week at home, aiming to continue their strong play as ACC competition intensifies. But we can do without the taunting at the end of the game until we play up to it!
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