Make it three victories in a row for the UNC basketball program.
North Carolina built a 21-2 lead through the first 8:36 of the first half, a lead that was too much for the visiting Virginia Cavaliers to overcome.
While the early start was nice, some questionable officiating kept the Cavaliers in the game. A Flagrant 1 call on Jalen Washington (one in which the Virginia defender essentially ran into his elbow) started the trend and was followed by a technical foul on Jae'Lyn Withers after a missed three-pointer (one that was justified given Withers was barking at Virginia's bench).
Those two plays were enough to give Virginia even the slightest glimmer of hope, as they essentially kept the game within the 10-15 point range throughout the remainder of the game.
Regardless, the UNC basketball program got the job done, shooting 48.2% from the floor. The Tar Heels had a lot of success from beyond-the-arc, knocking down 9 of their 16 attempts (56.3%).
Offensive efficiency, along with making the most of your opportunities at the free throw line (18 of 22 in this game), are certainly keys to success for any basketball team.
Speaking of Withers, he was once again outstanding, recording his second double-double of the season. He led the Tar Heels with 16 points to go along with 11 rebounds, once again providing a physical presence in the paint and a capable shooting threat outside the arc.
Ian Jackson came off the bench and added 16 points of his own, while Ven-Allen Lubin (14 points), RJ Davis (12) and Drake Powell (11) helped carry the scoring load, each scoring in double-figures.
North Carolina has a quick turnaround as they head to Tallahassee for a meeting with Florida State on Monday night. As has been the case, this is another game that the UNC basketball program must find a way to win.
If they can continue to play the way they have over this last stretch of games, this team has the potential to make a run to close out the regular season.