In a game that tested patience, resilience, and grit, the North Carolina Tar Heels emerged victorious with a narrow 68-65 win over Georgia Tech in their ACC opener at the Smith Center. The performance, while far from inspiring, brought relief to a team desperate for a win after a three-game losing streak.
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UNC’s struggles throughout the game reflected broader issues plaguing their season, but a win is a win. And for a team still searching for its identity, this victory, however unsightly, marked a small step forward.
A Sluggish Start and Ongoing Woes
Entering Saturday, the Tar Heels’ season had been marked by growing pains. Their four losses came against top-tier competition, including Kansas, Auburn, and Alabama — all teams with realistic Final Four aspirations. These defeats, though painful, were somewhat understandable given UNC’s roster adjustments and early-season schedule.
But the game against Georgia Tech was a different story. The Yellow Jackets, a team with a 4-4 record and a history of inconsistency, posed a challenge UNC was expected to handle with relative ease. Instead, the Tar Heels looked out of sync for most of the game, plagued by missed shots, turnovers, and defensive lapses that allowed Georgia Tech to stay competitive until the final minutes.
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Coach Hubert Davis acknowledged the difficulties, saying, “We didn’t do a lot of things well tonight, but the guys found a way to win. That’s something to be proud of.”
Bright Spots Amid the Struggles
While much of the game was a slog, there were moments of promise. Sophomore guard Seth Trimble stood out with an efficient 19 points on just six field-goal attempts, a testament to his ability to create scoring opportunities even on an off night for the team. His energy and leadership provided a spark that helped UNC regain momentum at critical junctures.
RJ Davis also contributed 15 points, though his 5-of-15 shooting performance underscored the team’s offensive inefficiencies. Still, his fast-break layup and timely assist to Jalen Washington for a dunk in the second half were pivotal in keeping UNC ahead.
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Defensively, the Tar Heels found some measure of success on the boards. Despite a lackluster offensive outing, the frontcourt trio of Ven-Allen Lubin, Jalen Washington, and Jae’Lyn Withers combined for 20 rebounds. However, their offensive struggles left much to be desired, with the three scoring just nine points collectively.
Lineups and Rotations: A Work in Progress
One of the most glaring takeaways from Saturday’s game was UNC’s ongoing search for the right lineup combinations. Hubert Davis experimented with his starting lineup again, inserting Lubin at center over Washington. The move, aimed at jumpstarting a team that has struggled in the early minutes of games, yielded mixed results. Lubin grabbed eight rebounds but failed to make a significant impact offensively.
Drake Powell, a 6’6” freshman, started his second consecutive game and showed flashes of potential despite a scoreless outing. Meanwhile, Jae’Lyn Withers’ reduced role highlighted the team’s lack of frontcourt consistency, as UNC continues to rely heavily on its guards and wings for production.
“We’re trying to figure out what works,” Davis explained. “It’s about finding the right rotations and groups that can play at a high level.”
A Win with Lingering Questions
The Tar Heels’ performance raised more questions than answers about their long-term prospects. After showing flashes of brilliance earlier this season — including a strong showing at Kansas’ Allen Fieldhouse — Saturday’s game was a step back. The team appeared flat, lacked urgency, and failed to capitalize on opportunities to put the game away.
Even with a week-long break before their next game against La Salle, UNC has work to do. Davis acknowledged that the time off would provide an opportunity for players to regroup and refocus.
“We’ve been wounded by these recent losses,” Davis said. “This break comes at the right time for us to rest and prepare.”
Moving Forward
Despite the underwhelming performance, the Tar Heels are 1-0 in ACC play and have an opportunity to build momentum. Saturday’s game was far from the vintage UNC basketball fans are accustomed to, but it was a reminder that even in tough stretches, finding a way to win matters.
For a team still learning to play together, victories like these can serve as stepping stones toward greater cohesion and confidence. As Trimble put it, “Getting back in the win column feels good. Now we’ve got to keep building.”
