UNC Basketball: Caleb Love powers Tar Heels past Wake Forest

UNC Basketball freshman Caleb Love helped power the Tar Heels past Wake Forest on Wednesday night as they won their third game in the last four tries

Things got off to a sloppy start for the UNC Basketball program on Wednesday night in their matchup with Wake Forest but that story changed in the second half in a big way.

After heading to the break down 33-31, UNC scored 49 points in the second half to earn their third win in the past four games, beating Wake Forest 80-73.

It was certainly a tale of two different halves for the Tar Heels in this one as they struggled to score in the first half. But in the second half, that changed and it was led by freshman Caleb Love and his 20 points.

The freshman had a career night, scoring 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting including 2-of-3 from the three-point line. Love’s two dunks under two minutes pretty much sealed it for the Tar Heels but it was his defense in the second half that set the tone. The guard played really good defense, drawing a few fouls and forcing some turnovers to give UNC the ball on offense.

UNC got off to a12-0 run to start the second half, jumping out to a 10-point lead. But Wake Forest didn’t go away as they answered with a 9-2 run of their own to cut the lead down to 47-44.

The Demon Deacons got hot from behind the three-point line, specifically Isaiah Mucius and Daivien Williamson, as the duo combined to go 10-for-18 from the three-point line to keep Wake in the game.

But every time Wake pulled close, the Tar Heels would have an answer.

UNC got four points from R.J. Davis and then two dunks from Love down the stretch as the duo scored 8 of the Tar Heels’ final 9 points when Wake was making a run late. This is by far the best game by the freshmen duo as they appear to be playing very well here in January.

Four Tar Heels scored in double figures including Love and Davis, as Armando Bacot added 18 and Garrison Brooks finished with 10.

Next up for the Tar Heels is a home game against N.C. State on Saturday as they look to avenge their earlier loss to the Wolfpack. A win for UNC would move them to 5-3 in conference play.

For more on the UNC Basketball program, please check back with Keeping It Heel.