Nobody said it was pretty, but a win is still a win!
It feels like we said this a lot during the 2024-2025 UNC basketball season, as it was a similar trend on Saturday afternoon in Raleigh against the NC State Wolfpack.
In what was an absolutely brutal first half between the two teams, the second half brought plenty of stress and excitement, ultimately resulting in a Tar Heels victory in the first of two meetings between these two teams during the regular season.
Over the first 20 minutes of action, there were a lack of shots made, foul calls and ball control. It gave the vibe of watching a elementary school basketball game, one where everyone falls to the floor, the ball is rolling all over the court and random shots are thrown up but essentially don't find their way into the basket.
Fortunate to take a six point lead into the break, the Tar Heels started to pull away a bit, but, as we've seen quite a few times this season, North Carolina allowed their opponent back in the game.
With 2:28 remaining, NC State took their first lead since the 13:58 mark of the second half, as we were set for another nail-biting finish.
Fortunately, Ian Jackson and Jalen Washington made big-time plays to secure the win.
Jackson knocked down a crucial three-pointer, one that capped off a 21-point outing to give the Tar Heels the lead back. NC State would tie the game at the 1:29 mark. With 24 seconds remaining, Elliot Cadeau made an incredible pass, leading to a Jalen Washington dunk to re-take the lead.
With one last chance to tie or take the lead, Jayden Taylor drove to the basket but was met by Washington, who emphatically swatted his shot away to secure the win for North Carolina.
We'll definitely talk more about Washington as the night goes on, as the junior had a big-time outing and played a huge role in the win. While this team has the tendency of raising out stress levels to the complete max, this is another game in which you shrug your shoulders and say, "A win is a win."