The North Carolina Tar Heels secured their first decisive ACC win over SMU with a convincing 82-67 victory. The key to their success was their stifling defense, which limited the Mustangs to just 33% shooting from the field.
SMU’s struggles in the paint were particularly notable, as they managed only ten second-chance points and tied the overall points in the paint battle with Carolina, 26-26. The Tar Heels also held strong on two-point shots, going 19-for-51 against SMU.
RJ Davis led the Tar Heels with a game-high 26 points on 8-15 shooting, while adding five rebounds and four assists. Drake Powell added 17 points, including four three-pointers, which gave Carolina an extra layer of offense when he can be a threat from beyond the arc.
Ven-Allen Lubin also played a crucial role off the bench, scoring seven points and drawing attention with his efforts around the rim. Jalen Washington contributed three blocks, including one early in the game that set the tone for the Tar Heels’ defense.
The win marked a significant milestone for Carolina, who needed to secure an ACC victory to stay competitive in conference play. The team’s success was also made sweeter by the presence of former Maryland coach Mark Turgen and Governor Josh Stein at the game, both of whom showed their support for the Tar Heels with a pregame visit from Roy Williams.
As for SMU, they struggled to find their footing against Carolina’s strong defense, and it ultimately led to their defeat. With this win, the Tar Heels have cemented their position as contenders in the ACC, and they look forward to their next challenge as they continue to build on their momentum.
Source: https://goheels.com/news/2025/1/7/mens-basketball-lucas-smu-rapid-reactions