Keeping It Heel
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UNC Basketball: Miami runs past Tar Heels to stay atop ACC

By Zack Pearson

Jan 18, 2022; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes forward Sam Waardenburg (21) reacts after making a three point shot against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 18, 2022; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes forward Sam Waardenburg (21) reacts after making a three point shot against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the first half at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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Tuesday night was Hubert Davis and the UNC basketball program’s first test in Atlantic Coast Conference play. And it’s safe to say they failed it.

Miami got off to a fast start in Tuesday’s game in Coral Gables, jumping out to a 30-11 lead with just over 8 minutes to go in the first half. They did so backed by making 5 of their first 9 three-point attempts including three from forward Sam Waardenburg.

UNC’s effort on defense was poor, often leaving Hurricanes players wide open for shots and allowing drives into the lane. On offense, they weren’t much better either as they couldn’t get into any rhythm and settled for long contested jumpers. Of UNC’s first 19 field goal attempts, 11 of them were from the three-point line and they made just three of them.

Instead of going inside to Armando Bacot, UNC scrambled and looked lost in a tough road game against one of the top teams in the conference. Bacot finally got on the scoreboard at the 7:27 mark with a layup inside. But he could never really get going and neither could the Tar Heels in the first half.

Miami opened up a 39-18 lead and never really looked back, dominating the first half and took a 49-22 lead into the break.

Things didn’t get better for UNC in the second half as they never recovered.

Miami kept the lead throughout the second half despite UNC only being outscored by just one in that final 20 minutes. But the damage was already done in the first half with Miami getting out to a lead and never looking back.

Isaiah Wong led all scorers with 25 points while Waardenburg added 21 and Kameron McGusty had 20 for the Hurricanes. Miami also drained 13 of their 28 three-point attempts compared to just six for the Tar Heels. Bacot did finish with another double double, scoring 15 points and grabbing 12 rebounds. But he was the only Tar Heel in double figures.

UNC will look to rebound when they head to Wake Forest on Saturday night.

Next. Armando Bacot earning national recognition. dark

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