UNC Basketball: Bacot’s presence the difference in win over Clemson

In a game that the UNC basketball program desperately needed to win, Armando Bacot provided a much-needed offensive spark. 

The UNC basketball program pulled off a very tough, but much-needed road victory on Tuesday night against the Clemson Tigers. It wasn’t pretty by any means, but it’s a win that the Tar Heels will most definitely take.

It’s evident that one player was the deciding factor for the Tar Heels, and of course, it’s the big man in the middle. Once again, Armando Bacot put together a strong offensive performance, one that North Carolina needed in order to win this game.

After struggling out of the gate offensively, the Tar Heels ended the first half on a 22-6 run to take a five-point lead into the break. Of the team’s 30 first half points, 15 were scored by Bacot.

Foul trouble sent Bacot to the bench at the 11:42 mark of the second half, and for the five minutes he was forced to stay on the bench, Clemson was able to climb back into the game. Even though he fouled out late in the game, he was clearly the Tar Heels’ best player in this one.

Overall, Bacot finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds, marking his 18th double-double of the season. He made eight of his 10 shot attempts from the floor, and also knocked in eight of his 10 free throw attempts.

Of course, we definitely won’t complain about this, but it’s rather surprising that Clemson didn’t attack the basket earlier in an effort to have Bacot foul out of the game. When he was on the floor, it was a totally different feel, as his presence was definitely a favorable factor for the Tar Heels.

You can point to some of his fouls that weren’t smart, including his unnecessary flagrant one foul, but his offensive dominance overshadows the fact that he was a non-factor late in the game due to fouling out. North Carolina needed this win, and their junior captain played a big role in helping his team bring it home.

Along with giving Armando Bacot our “Tar Heel of the Game” award, we want to mention Carla Black, mother of senior Leaky Black. If you watched the game, you heard a fan yelling “defense” and other words of encouragement throughout, as she provided some much-needed energy for the Tar Heels on the floor.

In recognition of her efforts, we’re awarding Carla Black with an honorary “Tar Heel of the Game” award as well!

The UNC basketball program is back in action on Saturday afternoon, as they’ll host Florida State at the Dean Smith Center. Check back in with the Keeping It Heel team to find out which Tar Heel will earn our “Tar Heel of the Game” for the contest!

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