Head coach Hubert Davis decided to switch up the starting lineup ahead of his team's outing against Boston College. The four guard lineup of Elliot Cadeau, RJ Davis, Ian Jackson and Seth Trimble shared the court together for the first time at tip-off. Vanderbilt transfer Ven Allen-Lubin anchored the post, replacing Jalen Washington in that regard.
The UNC basketball program shot the ball particularly well during the first half. However, its defense served problems — allowing the Eagles to stay within reach. By the end of the first 20 minutes, the score stood at 46-45 as the Tar Heels led. Carolina shot 58% overall — shooting 33% (2-6) from the three-point line and 67% (8-12) from the charity stripe.
Although its defense gave up similar numbers and more to Boston College. Head coach Earl Grant's team scored 45 points on 55% shooting while recording 56% (5-9) behind the arc and 80% (8-10) from the free throw line.
Davis and Washington led the scoring going into the break. Davis scored 13 points shooting 4-4 on field goals, including the one three-pointer to open the game. Off the bench, Washington made an impact with 12 points on 5-8 shooting.
Unfortunately for the Tar Heels, it was the same kind of story during the second half on the defensive end. Donald Hand Jr. reached 23 points on 7-15 field goals while lighting it up inside the Dean Dome for three, making 4-7. And to make things harder, Dion Brown who averages 6.4 points on the season — tripled that stat and piled on 20 points of his own. This was all by the 1:44 mark during the final moments of regulation.
This matchup ended up seeing overtime after Trimble's bucket near the rim to tie the game up with 13 seconds left at 89. Carolina was able to have the ball in its hands after Boston College was unable to inbound the ball. But a three-point heave near halfcourt by Davis bounced off the backboard and off the rim to send the game into overtime.
In the end, Carolina was able to squeeze out a win as Davis led the way with seven points. Lubin sealed the deal with a block and slam during the closing seconds of overtime — similar fashion to Washington's plays against NC State.
The Tar Heels will hit the road again to face the Pittsburgh Panthers on Tuesday, January 28 at 9:00 p.m. on ESPN.