North Carolina faced its fifth loss of the season on Tuesday, marking its fourth defeat against an AP-ranked top-10 team. This particular loss to Florida was especially painful, as the Tar Heels relinquished a late lead with less than two minutes remaining in regulation. After a series of mistakes, turnovers, and missed rebounds, the unbeaten Florida Gators were able to tie the game, take the lead, and secure the victory with clutch free throws, extending their winning streak to eleven games.
In the aftermath, UNC alumnus Tyler Hansbrough, a 2009 NCAA champion and UNC legend, openly criticized Coach Hubert Davis’s tactics, highlighting the team’s flaws. His comments resonated with the frustrated fanbase. Hansbrough remarked, “If you look at every major loss that we’ve experienced, we’ve been down double digits in the first half and had to claw our way back in the second. The amount of energy it takes is exhausting; it wears on you throughout the game. You’ve got to figure out the start.”
The Tar Heels will need to regroup and address these issues to turn their season around.
Will Richard, Alijah Martin and Walter Clayton Jr. combined for 53 points in the Gators' biggest win so far this season over North Carolina 🐊
Is the best backcourt in America in Gainesville? 👀 pic.twitter.com/M3eMuWgn4R
— NCAA March Madness (@MarchMadnessMBB) December 18, 2024
The Tar Heels mounted a spirited comeback in the second half but ultimately fell short at the 2024 Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte. RJ Davis led UNC with an impressive 29 points and eight rebounds, while teammates Elliot Cadeau, Seth Trimble, and Ian Jackson each contributed 11 points. However, Florida’s offense proved too strong, with Will Richard’s decisive putback with just 54 seconds remaining sealing the win for the Gators.
Tyler Hansbrough highlighted the Tar Heels’ struggles on the boards, stating, “Florida beat us up on the offensive boards. Late in the game, we can’t give a team like that second-chance bucket or we’re going to lose. We knew that coming in—Florida is one of the best offensive teams in the country.”
High-Stakes Matchup Against UCLA
Now, UNC shifts its focus to another crucial matchup against UCLA. On Saturday, December 21, the Tar Heels will battle the Bruins, who are ranked No. 18 in the latest AP Poll and riding a nine-game winning streak. This game is a must-win for North Carolina, as it would provide a valuable Quad 1 victory, which is significant for NCAA Tournament selection.
The game against Florida exposed both the weaknesses and potential of the Tar Heels. Though they managed to outscore the Gators in the second half after falling behind by 17 in the first half, they struggled to recover from early deficiencies, particularly in rebounding and capitalizing on second-chance opportunities.
Facing one of the nation’s best teams, UCLA, will be a significant challenge. The Tar Heels will need to dominate the boards and deliver a complete performance to secure a victory. As Tyler Hansbrough aptly noted, “The starts are a huge issue.” Saturday’s showdown in New York City will be a true test of whether the Tar Heels can rise to the occasion and deliver that signature win.
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