March Madness: UNC blows out SDSU to silence NCAA Tournament critics
The North Carolina Tar Heels have been under scrutiny since the NCAA Tournament bracket was announced, with many doubting their inclusion in the field of 68 teams. However, any doubts about their worthiness were quickly put to rest as they dominated the San Diego State Aztecs in their “First Four” matchup on Tuesday night, securing a convincing 95-68 victory.
This impressive win earned the Tar Heels the No. 11 seed in the South Region, setting them up for a first-round showdown against No. 6 Ole Miss on Friday. Despite being the last team to make it into the tournament, UNC proved that they belong on the big stage with their commanding performance against a tough Aztecs squad known for their stifling defense.
In the first half of the game, the Tar Heels came out firing on all cylinders, shooting an impressive 60.9% from the field and knocking down all but two of their nine three-point attempts. They also displayed their efficiency at the free-throw line, converting all 12 of their attempts to build a comfortable 47-point halftime lead. RJ Davis capped off the first half with a buzzer-beating three-pointer, further demoralizing the Aztecs.
On the other hand, San Diego State struggled to find their offensive rhythm, shooting a dismal 26.7% from the field in the first half and only making 4-of-16 three-point attempts. Their offensive woes, combined with UNC’s sharpshooting, resulted in a 24-point deficit that proved insurmountable for the Aztecs.
The second half saw the Tar Heels continue their dominance, outscoring San Diego State 48-45 to seal the victory. UNC finished the game shooting an impressive 52.6% from the field and an even more impressive 58.3% from beyond the arc. RJ Davis led the charge with 26 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point range. Jae’Lyn Withers recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds and 10 points, while Seth Trimble and Ven-Allen Lubin contributed 16 and 12 points, respectively.
In contrast, the Aztecs struggled to find their shooting touch, finishing the game shooting just 39.7% from the field. This lackluster performance ultimately spelled doom for San Diego State in their tournament opener.
The Tar Heels’ convincing win has silenced their critics and proven that they are a force to be reckoned with in the NCAA Tournament. As they prepare to face Ole Miss in the first round, UNC will look to build on their momentum and make a deep run in the Big Dance. Stay tuned for more updates on their journey through March Madness.
