UNC’s 63-61 win over NC State in Raleigh on Saturday afternoon was certainly not a game that will be going on a highlight reel of excellent basketball, but the Tar Heels found a way to scratch and claw their way to a victory. NC State had a chance to win it or send it into overtime after Elliot Cadeau found Jalen Washington with a beautiful pass to put the Tar Heels ahead, but Washington came up huge on the defensive end with a big block that sent the Wolfpack fans home disappointed. Kevin Keatts wanted a goaltending call on the block but was left wanting.
The Tar Heels threatened to put the game away a couple times without ever actually being able to do so. State held a one-point lead with just under 2:30 to go in the game. The fact that the Wolfpack were even in a position to win was due to some frankly abysmal second half defense from Carolina. After holding State to 23% from the field in the first half, State shot 60% in the second half. Couple that with UNC only getting to the free throw line eight times all game, and the chance was there for a disappointing loss until Washington came up clutch.
Ian Jackson was very clutch himself, nailing one of his five three-pointers to put Carolina up by two with just under two minutes remaining. Sixteen of his points came in the second half. He was excellent again, leading the team with 21 points. Washington had a rare double-double for this team with 11 points and 12 rebounds. RJ Davis finished in double figures as well with 11 points…