Mitchell Northam is a journalist for the Associated Press.

Chapel Hill, N.C.

On Friday night, RJ Davis guided No. 9 North Carolina to a dominant 105-60 victory over Charleston Southern with 20 points and 10 assists.

Davis was the first player from UNC to achieve a scoreline of 20 points, 10 assists, five steals, and zero turnovers in a game.

Davis stated that he has confidence in his abilities, but also acknowledges that his hard work is evident. He has faith in his efforts and has dedicated a lot of time during the offseason with his new team. He believes that he has transformed himself during his final year and hopes to end on a positive note.

Jalen Washington led the Tar Heels with a career-best 17 points, while five other players also scored in double digits. Elliott Cadeau contributed 13 points, Armando Bacot and Seth Trimble both had 12 points, and Harrison Ingram added 10.

This marks Davis’ first double-double of the season and his first time achieving a double-double in points and assists during his college career. He started off strong, making his first four shots and scoring 10 points within the first four minutes of the game.

A’lahn Summer led the Buccaneers (4-9) with 21 points, while DJ Patrick contributed 11 points to the team’s total.

Saah Nimley, the interim coach for Charleston Southern, complimented the opposing team for being one of the strongest competitors they have faced. Despite the outcome, he believes that his team improved by playing against such tough competition.

UNC maintained a consistent lead and at one point had a 47-point advantage. They excelled in the interior, outscoring the Buccaneers 52-12 and outrebounding them 46-25.

“I believe that throughout the non-conference season, we have been exposed to a wide range of styles. UNC coach Hubert Davis stated, “This has prepared us to face the highly competitive and challenging ACC conference.”

BIG PICTURE

The Tar Heels of North Carolina dominated their last non-conference match of the regular season, displaying an impressive performance after an eight-day hiatus. They achieved a season-high of 20 assists and a season-low of five turnovers, with a season-best shooting percentage of 56.2%. This marks their second game this season where they scored over 100 points.

The Buccaneers from Charleston Southern have had a difficult beginning to their season. They have only defeated one Division I team and have already experienced a change in coaching. In their non-conference schedule, they have faced three ACC opponents and lost by an average of 31.3 points. They hope to improve in the upcoming Big South games.

MONTROSS REMEMBERED

This game marked the first time UNC played at the Dean Smith Center since the passing of Eric Montross on December 17th at the age of 52 due to cancer. Montross, a two-time All-American, had previously served as a radio broadcaster for the Tar Heels and worked with the Rams Club, the organization responsible for raising funds for UNC athletics.

Prior to the start of the game, the arena lights were turned off and Montross’ jersey in the rafters and his usual seat were illuminated by spotlights as a moment of silence was observed. Additionally, the Tar Heels donned warm-up shirts with Montross’ number, 00, on the back.

NEXT UP

The University of North Carolina’s basketball team, the Tar Heels, will continue their Atlantic Coast Conference games by playing against Pittsburgh on Tuesday.

The Buccaneers of Charleston Southern will kick off their Big South conference play at home on Wednesday, facing off against Presbyterian.

Source: wralsportsfan.com