Harrison Ingram buzzer-beater vs UConn swings UNC’s momentum back after Armando Bacot tech
By Adam Weinrib
![CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 12: Armando Bacot #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on during the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks at the Dean E. Smith Center on November 12, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 90-68. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) CHAPEL HILL, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 12: Armando Bacot #5 of the North Carolina Tar Heels looks on during the game against the Lehigh Mountain Hawks at the Dean E. Smith Center on November 12, 2023 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The Tar Heels won 90-68. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e6184e8242f377c70e641484b4ac1e7998bba4d257ddffaa0976f01d24278e1e.jpg)
The first half of UNC’s battle with the UConn Huskies at Storrs’ NYC offshoot has been dominated by size — namely, Connecticut’s innate ability to extend their fingertips and point loose balls in the wrong direction, thwarting Carolina’s many rebound attempts.
Armando Bacot has been bedeviled, somewhat, by the length of7’2″ Donovan Clingan, as well as UConn’s band of additional bodies. He’s gotten to the line extensively (5-of-8), but has uncorked several wild, rim-whiffing shots in the process.
Perhaps, after flinging too many shots skyward and not enough in the general direction of the basket, the senior forward let his emotions get the best of him on a rebounded free throw late in the first half.
Bacot’s rim-rocking board cut what had just been a 10-point deficit back to six…only for Dan Hurley’s spittle-flying protest to convince the referees to call a technical foul for his gesticulations. Deficit back to eight, plenty of good undone.
Most were less than thrilled with Bacot’s emotion being penalized.
Armando Bacot’s rebounded free throw/dunk stole the momentum back for the Heels…until the refs listened to Dan Hurley and called a tech. The lead has expanded once again. pic.twitter.com/T8jBSoBGNG
— Adam Weinrib (@AdamWeinrib) December 6, 2023
UNC Tar Heels Basketball: Harrison Ingram saves Armando Bacot
Or so we thought. Because, after a defensive stand, the Heels received the final shot of the half down eight, and the ball found its way to Stanford transfer Harrison Ingram. He may not be the roster’s strongest shooter or most powerful finisher, but there’s a solid chance he’s UNC’s coolest customer.
In direct opposition to many of his teammates’ earlier efforts, Ingram smoothly found the bottom of the net as the clock expired on an up-and-down half.
Three-pointer by Harrison Ingram with 3.2 seconds remaining makes the score 44-39 UConn at halftime.
— Carolina Basketball Stats & Info (@UNCMBBStats) December 6, 2023
Carolina trails by five at the break, but it could’ve — and should’ve — been a more daunting second-half road back against the defending champs. Now, all they need is for one of Ingram’s running mates to step up and place the team’s foot firmly on the gas pedal. Perhaps White Plains’ RJ Davis could be interested?
In the meantime, UNC takes on Kentucky this weekend and FanDuel Sportsbook is giving you a $150 bonus if the Tar Heels win! If you sign up, deposit at least $10 and bet $5 or more on UNC’s moneyline odds, you’ll get $150 in bonus bets if the Tar Heels win the game. Sign up for FanDuel now!
Next. UNC in 'thick of hunt' for 5-star guard. dark