The Associated Press

On Saturday, the seventh-ranked North Carolina team in Chapel Hill, North Carolina utilized experienced players Armando Bacot and RJ Davis to correct their performance.

In a 96-81 win against Virginia Tech, North Carolina maintained the lead for most of the game with Bacot scoring 25 points and 12 rebounds and Davis contributing 20 points.

Cormac Ryan had 16 points and Harrison Ingram contributed 12 points and 17 rebounds for the Tar Heels (20-6, 12-3 Atlantic Coast Conference). Despite losing three of their last five games, they were able to secure a victory.

Davis mentioned that they were looking to make a statement and were focused on both offense and defense.

MJ Collins scored 18 points and Mylyjael Poteat, a backup player, scored 15 to lead Virginia Tech (14-11, 6-8). This was their fourth loss in the past five games. Tyler Nickel, who used to play for the opposing team, scored 14 points while Lynn Kidd and Hunter Cattoor each contributed 11 points.

Bacot had a strong performance against the Hokies, taking advantage of their foul-prone front line and shooting 11 for 16 from the field. The team as a whole shot 51.5%. Bacot scored 19 points in the second half.

Ingram noted that all three of their big players were dealing with fouls, while our team had the advantage in the post with Armando.

Coach Mike Young of Virginia Tech stated that his team was aware of the importance of closely monitoring the standout pair of the Tar Heels.

Young stated that Armando Bacot and RJ Davis have been skilled players in the league for a significant period of time. He further commented that their performance exceeded the team’s strategy.

The team’s second-highest total of the season was marked by the Tar Heels’ 54 points in the paint.

“We discussed revisiting that strategy, which proved to be a significant advantage for us. Armando’s performance was exceptional,” stated North Carolina coach Hubert Davis. “We were determined to control the scoring in the paint.”

After Virginia Tech closed the gap to 79-72, Davis scored five consecutive points.

“They gave a great response,” Nickel commented. “That demonstrates a team that is mature.”

Virginia Tech had a 41.8% field goal percentage and only made 1 out of 12 3-point shots in the second half, hindering their opportunity for a comeback.

According to Young, it’s best to score with them since they will also score.

The Tar Heels equaled Virginia Tech’s season high for first half points (44) with over three minutes remaining before halftime, leading 50-39 at the break.

The Tar Heels began the game with a 10-0 run, establishing their dominance. They ultimately outrebounded their opponents, finishing with a 43-31 advantage.

TIP-INS

Nickel, a reserve guard who played last season as a North Carolina freshman, hit his first two shots on 3-point attempts and finished with four 3s. … The Hokies and Tar Heels hadn’t met since December 2022 and this was the lone scheduled meeting this season. … Saturday’s result ended Virginia Tech’s two-game win streak in the series.

BIG PICTURE

The Hokies of Virginia Tech allowed their highest score of the season and attempted some small comebacks in the second half, but were unable to put pressure on the Tar Heels. They have been outrebounded in four out of their last five games.

North Carolina’s Tar Heels maintained a half-game lead in the ACC and were in need of a confidence-boosting performance. This game certainly met that criteria, as the team had previously reached as high as No. 3 in the rankings.

UP NEXT

On Monday night, Virginia Tech will be hosting No. 21 Virginia.

On February 24, North Carolina will travel to Virginia.

Source: wralsportsfan.com