It was a game heavily favored North Carolina had to have to keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive, and it looked bleaked in the last minute. But the Tar Heels rallied from four down in the last 20 seconds of regulation and never trailed in overtime in a 102-96 home win over Boston College (1/25)
Seth Trimble, who made his first start since an injury almost a month ago, was the Tar Heel responsible for sending the game into overtime. He first drew a foul inside with 19 seconds left and hit two free throws. After an aggressive Carolina defense forced a five-second call turnover, Trimble twisted and turned close to the basket finally scoring on a left-handed bucket with 13 seconds to go.
Carolina continued to hound BC, not allowing the visitors a last-second shot. In fact, Carolina forced a turnover with less than two seconds to go and were able to get off a long three by RJ Davis that didn’t go.
In overtime, though, Davis did get free for a three at the top of the key to break a 91-all tie but Boston College hung tough tying it at 96 with just over two minutes to play.
North Carolina went on to score the last six points of the game. First, Trimble, who was one of five Tar Heels in double figures with 18 points, scored in the lane on a contested layup. Then Davis connected on a pair of free throws and finally Drake Powell found an open Ven-Allen Lubin for a dunk with 27 seconds to go to finish off the scoring.
UNC coach Hubert Davis said his team “stepped up and executed in the latter part of the game” but he was not happy that BC, who have now lost six games in a row, shot almost 55 percent including 58 percent from the three-point line. Even without the overtime, the Eagles scored more points and more three pointers (14) than in any game this season.
“Boston College played at a high level today but they were allowed to get into rhythm,” Coach Davis said. BC’s Donald Hand Jr. was the most in rhythm as he hit five three pointers after halftime to lead all scorers with 26 points.
RJ Davis, who hit all eight of his free throws, finished with 22 points to lead the Tar Heels. Ian Jackson, who was benched to start the second half after scoring just four points in the first half, scored 15 after the break to finish with 19. Trimble and Jalen Washington each scored 18 while Eliot Cadeau tallied 13.
It was the first double-figure effort for Trimble since his injury earlier in the season. “His activity, his will, his want-to, his effort was just off the charts,” Coach Davis said. “We aren’t close to winning this game without Seth.”
The game was tied 16 times and there were 10 lead changes but Carolina controlled most of the first half, opening up a nine-point lead before leading 46-45 at halftime.
The Tar Heels, who managed just six three pointers, outscored the Eagles 58-42 in the paint including a 12-2 advantage in fast break points. BC falls to 9-11 overall and 1-8 in the ACC.
It gets tougher for North Carolina, now 13-8 and 6-3 in the conference, who travel to Pitt Tuesday night and then Duke next Saturday.
Hubert and Heels playing with fire. Davis going to have to pack his bags if he keeps this mess up.