North Carolina emerged with a victory against the NC State Wolfpack Saturday night in Raleigh, 63-61. With the Tar Heels winning at the break 26-20, it was the lowest scoring first half between the two rivals in 37 years, dating back to the 1988 ACC Tournament.
North Carolina Big Man Records Career First
Jalen Washington has struggled at times this season to find his footing in a UNC rotation that has undergone multiple changes by Hubert Davis. The towering 6’10” Junior from Gary, Indiana, is averaging 5.9 PPG and 4.8 rebounds along with 1.1 blocks so far for the Tar Heels. Saturday night however, Washington finished with 11 points and 12 boards, marking his first career collegiate double-double. He had a highlight sequence against the in-state rival Wolfpack that secured a UNC win on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.
Dramatic Finish
After a Tar Heel timeout with :41 remaining in the game, teammate Elliot Cadeau found Washington with an improbable dish down low that the big man would flush through the hoop with two hands. The Wolfpack called a timeout with :20 left of their own and 0 on the shot clock. As time dwindled on the NC State final possession, Jayden Taylor would take a last second desperation shot in an attempt to tie the game, only for Washington to block the ball and secure the extra rebound as time expired.
Additional Playmakers
Senior star RJ Davis finished with 11 points for the Tar Heels, and rising phenom Ian Jackson continues to shine himself, as he scored a game high 21 points to include 5 of 8 from deep range. Drake Powell had 8 points of his own, while three other Tar Heels scored 4 points apiece.
Home Court Before Trip to Winston-Salem
UNC (11-6, 4-1) will defend their three game win streak at home with a pair of contests against California (8-7, 1-3) and Stanford (11-5, 3-2), before making the in-state trip to play the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (11-4, 3-1).
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