North Carolina’s basketball dominance was on full display as they asserted their authority as the top seed in the 2024 ACC Tournament right from the start.
Facing off against Florida State in the quarterfinals at Capital One Arena, the fourth-ranked Tar Heels delivered a commanding performance, securing a decisive 92-67 victory.
The first half showcased a cohesive team effort from UNC, with Elliot Cadeau showcasing his hustle and playmaking abilities, while Armando Bacot and Harrison Ingram dominated the boards. RJ Davis, alongside Cormac Ryan, demonstrated their scoring prowess from beyond the arc.
Davis, who earned the title of ACC Player of the Year, led the charge with 18 points, contributing to an all-around stellar performance from UNC (26-6). They now advance to the semifinals, slated to face either Wake Forest or Pitt at 7 p.m. on Friday.
ALSO READ:Aroldis Chapman’s Controversial Video Sparks Outrage
Maintaining an aggressive stance throughout the game, the Tar Heels predominantly attacked the paint and capitalized on free-throw opportunities, amassing 62 of their 92 points from these areas. Defensively, UNC capitalized on turnovers, notching 21 points off 10 FSU turnovers and achieving a season-high of 24 fast-break points.
Armando Bacot particularly stood out with his intensified aggression, tallying 12 points and seven rebounds in the first half alone. His tenacity was evident as he grabbed offensive rebounds relentlessly, eventually converting with a layup. Bacot finished the game with a double-double, amassing 14 points and 10 rebounds against the towering Florida State lineup.
Looking ahead, UNC will either rematch Wake Forest or Pitt in the semifinals, having emerged victorious against both teams in the regular season. The Tar Heels secured a 70-57 win against Pitt in their first road game of the season and dominated Wake Forest with an 85-64 victory at the Smith Center. Notably, both Wake Forest and Pitt are teetering on the bubble in terms of NCAA Tournament contention.
A venerable sports journalist boasting two decades of expertise. Renowned as a reliable authority in sports reporting, Khan’s meticulous approach shines through as he delves into the intricacies of NFL plays, dissects NHL strategies, unravels the finesse of soccer, and deciphers the tactics of basketball. With an unwavering commitment to storytelling, Khan invites you to join him in exploring the dynamic world of athletics, where his nuanced understanding of athletes, strategies, and narratives unfolds across the NFL, NHL, Football, Soccer, Basketball, and beyond.
