The North Carolina Tar Heels (21-12, 13-7 ACC) have advanced to round 3 of the ACC Tournament following a 76-56 win over Notre Dame (15-18, 8-12 ACC) on Wednesday afternoon in Charlotte. The victory gives the Tar Heels their second win over the Fighting Irish on the season, including a 74-73 victory on January 4th.
Tar Heels Hot From Deep
Drake Powell opened up the game with a make from deep to put the Tar Heels up 3-0, and North Carolina would not give up the lead the entire game on route to their 20 point victory. Powell ignited a three point powder keg for UNC, as they would rain in 13/28 over the course of the game. Forward Jae’Lyn Withers was remarkable from downtown, making a game high 7 three’s out of the 10 that he attempted. Altogether the Tar Heels shot 48.3% from the field while holding Notre Dame to 32.3%, and limited the Irish to just 6 three point field goals made.
Individual Stats
Along with his career high 21 points on 7 three’s, Withers was 1 rebound short of a double-double with 9. Teammate Ven-Allen Lubin did however record a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, and starting guard Elliot Cadeau had a game high 10 assists along with 3 points. Drake Powell had an efficient night after his opening three pointer, recording 9 points on 4/5 shooting. Star senior RJ Davis secured 13 points including 4/4 from the free throw line in what will be his final ACC Tournament.
Stats from Charlotte
With the ACC Tournament being played at the Spectrum Center, the Tar Heels have made a home-away-from-home in Charlotte. North Carolina is now 19-3 when playing at the Hornets home court, and 169-28 overall in the city of Charlotte. Additionally, the Heels have won 14 of their last 16 games against Notre Dame, dating back to 2016.
Round 3
North Carolina will take on Wake Forest (21-10, 13-7 ACC) in round 3 of the ACC Tournament on Thursday at 2:30 pm EST on ESPN/2. Wake Forest is one of 4 teams (Duke, Louisville, Clemson) to receive a double-bye and not have to play prior to Thursday. This will be the first ACC Tournament matchup between UNC and the Demon Deacons since 2000, when they played at the Charlotte Coliseum. Wake Forest came away with a 58-52 victory in the matchup.
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