Harrison Ingram buzzer-beater vs UConn swings UNC’s momentum back after Armando Bacot tech

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.

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.

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!