North Carolina’s basketball team found itself in a precarious situation after losing to Clemson on Monday night. The 85-65 defeat leaves the Tar Heels’ postseason chances slipping away once again.
Coach Hubert Davis emphasized the need for his team to play with urgency and focus, but it was evident that UNC lacked the necessary intensity against the Tigers. Despite having a crucial win over Pittsburgh earlier in the week, the Tar Heels struggled in key areas, including rebounding, turnovers, and free throws.
The loss is a significant blow to UNC’s tournament resume, particularly in Quad 1 wins. With only one victory this season in such games, the team has failed to give the NCAA Tournament selection committee a compelling reason to include them in the 68-team field.
Davis acknowledged that his team needs to adopt a mindset of preparation and execution every day, rather than just relying on desperation. The coach also pointed out that Clemson’s physicality and hustle played a significant role in the team’s defeat.
UNC faces a crucial stretch of games against teams behind it in the ACC standings, with only one game left before the regular season closes at home against Duke. While wins are necessary to boost their NCAA Tournament chances, they may not have the same impact as in previous seasons due to the limited availability of Quad 1 opportunities this year.
Coach Davis urged his team to regroup and refocus on competitiveness, saying “We got knocked down today, but we’ve got to get back up.” However, it remains to be seen whether UNC can overcome its current struggles and find the motivation needed to compete at a high level.
Source: https://www.newsobserver.com/sports/college/acc/unc/article300035959.html