North Carolina lost for the third time in four games as the Tar Heels couldn’t find scoring when they needed it in a 56-47 loss at Virginia. (12/8)
Down just 39-35 to one of the toughest defensive teams in the country midway through the second half, the Heels fouled jump shooters three times in a row, resulting in six Cavalier points from the free throw line. The 10-point deficit was the largest of the game to that point.
UNC, which trailed by as many as 17 points, also failed to score another field goal until freshman Cole Anthony hit a short jumper with less than three minutes to play.
Not only did the Tar Heels shoot a mere 38 percent from the floor but they were one of 14 from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, Virginia hit six of 17 threes, including three by Tomas Woldetensae, who came into the game with three triples the whole year.
The scoring woes have now become historic as the Tar Heels have scored their fewest points in consecutive games since 1950. And the last time Carolina was held to fewer than 50 points in back-to-back games was during the 1947-48 season.
“This is the most frustrated I’ve ever been,” UNC coach Roy Williams said. “I haven’t found the right buttons to push.”
The Tar Heels have been relying on a freshman to be the sparkplug offensively. But Cole Anthony, who did lead the Heels with 12 points, missed five of the six three-point shots he took and made only four of 15 total shots. He also was credited with zero assists and six turnovers.
“I don’t know that I’ve ever had a point guard go zero and six,” Coach Williams said. “He’s probably pressing. We’ve got to get hims some more help.”
Armando Bacot, who left Wednesday’s game with an ankle injury, was able to start and finished with 11 points. But he also missed five of six free throw attempts as the Tar Heels made just 12 of 22 from the line.
Virginia, now 8-1 overall and 2-0 in the ACC, was led by Mamadi Diakite’s 12 points.
North Carolina, now 6-3 overall and 1-1 in the ACC, hosts Wofford Sunday, Dec. 15 at 4 p.m.