With 38 seconds left in regulation, Carolina trailed 79-77 to a Wildcat team that stood at 4-7 and lost to Clemson by more than 30 points.
But Paige drew a foul and canned two free throws to tie it with 29 seconds left and Davidson’s Brian Sullivan, who seemingly couldn’t miss from beyond the arc, couldn’t get a long three to go and the game went into overtime.
Paige quickly took over with a driving layup from the left side to start overtime. UNC’s Nate Britt followed with a long two. After a Davidson free throw, Paige scored five straight points including a swished three to put the Heels up 88-80 with 2:43 left.
It never got closer than seven the rest of the way as the Heels worked the final margin up to 12, the largest lead of the game.
The first half was back and forth but after a 15-3 Carolina run, it appeared the Tar Heels might be in control at 31-22. Leslie McDonald started the run with a three and a quick Luke Davis to McAdoo to Jackson Simmons lay in play ended the run.
But a quick 7-0 Davidson run, highlighted by a Sullivan three for his 13th point of the first half, put the Wildcats right back in it and the Heels led 38-35 at the break.
Carolina employed a full-court press and trapping defense at times in the second half to rattle Davidson. The Heels finished with 11 steals and forced 22 Wildcat turnovers.
While Paige was the hero late, JP Tokoto led the way throughout with 22 points.
For more on the game, please click here.