UNC tar Heels Annihilate San Diego State, Set March Madness Ablaze
Dayton, Ohio, March 19, 2025 – The University of North Carolina Tar Heels delivered a statement performance in the NCAA Tournament First Four, dismantling San Diego State in a 95-68 victory that sent shockwaves through college basketball. RJ Davis spearheaded the offensive onslaught with a perfect shooting display, and the team etched its name in the record books with a dominant showing.
The Tar Heels’ victory wasn’t just a win; it was a clinic. They shot 52.6% from the field, a blistering 58.3% from three-point range, and 87.5% from the free-throw line, a feat unmatched in NCAA Tournament history. This scoring barrage propelled them too a 27-point victory,the second-largest margin of victory in first Four history.
“Carolina became the first team in NCAA Tournament history to score 95 points and shoot 50% or better from the floor (52.6%), 50% from three (58.3%) and 85% from the free throw line (87.5%),” the statistics confirm, highlighting the unprecedented nature of thier performance.
RJ davis: Perfection Personified
The star of the show was undoubtedly senior guard RJ Davis, who erupted for 26 points on a flawless 6-for-6 shooting performance from beyond the arc.Davis’s accuracy set a UNC record for the highest three-point percentage in an NCAA Tournament game. This feat also tied a program record for most three-pointers made without a miss, a mark previously held by Jason Capel in the 2001 ACC Tournament.
Davis’s performance underscored his value to the team. “RJ Davis’ 6 for 6 from three was the sixth time ever a Tar Heel shot 100% on at least five three-point attempts,” the recap stated, emphasizing his place in UNC’s storied basketball history. His ability to lead and score is well-documented.
“This was the eighth time in 11 NCAA Tournament games Davis scored in double figures and the fourth time he scored 20 or more,” according to the recap.
Davis is just the third player in ACC history, joining UNC’s Tyler Hansbrough and Duke’s JJ Redick, to surpass the 2,700-career-point threshold.Team Effort Fuels record-Breaking Night
While Davis led the charge,the victory was a team effort. Carolina set a school record with 14 three-pointers for an NCAA Tournament game, with six different players contributing from beyond the arc.
“Carolina set a school record for three-pointers made in an NCAA Tournament game with 14,” reads the official stats, underscoring the team’s collective contribution.
Freshman guard Elliot cadeau added 12 assists, tying for the second-most in UNC NCAA Tournament history. “Elliot Cadeau had 12 assists, which equaled the second most by a Tar Heel in an NCAA Tournament game,” solidifying Cadeau’s impact running the offense.
Forward Jae’Lyn Withers recorded his fourth double-double of the season, while Seth Trimble and Ven-Allen Lubin added 16 and 12 points, respectively. Lubin, a transfer from Vanderbilt, made the most of his time on the court. Lubin was also a perfect 8 for 8 from the free throw line.
Defensive Dominance
The Tar Heels’ defense was equally remarkable, holding San Diego State to just 39.7% shooting from the field. This marked the 11th time this season UNC has held an opponent below 40%, with the team boasting an impressive 11-0 record in those games.
San Diego State, known for its stingy defense, entered the game ranked No. 1 in the nation in field goal percentage defense at 37.8%. However, Carolina shattered that mark, showcasing its offensive firepower.
Hubert Davis’s Tournament Prowess
Head coach Hubert Davis continues to shine in the NCAA Tournament, leading the Tar Heels to an 8-2 record in tournament play. Under Davis, Carolina is a dominant 32-2 when scoring 90 or more points.
“Carolina is 8-2 under Hubert Davis in NCAA Tournament play,” the recap notes, highlighting Davis’s growing legacy as a tournament coach.Looking Ahead
The Tar Heels’ victory sets the stage for a first-round matchup against No.6 seed Ole Miss on Friday in Milwaukee. The team’s performance against San Diego State has undoubtedly raised expectations, with many now considering Carolina a serious contender for the national championship.
The team’s 14 three-pointers where the second-most vs. SDSU this season.”
Key Takeaways
Offensive Firepower: UNC’s balanced scoring attack and exceptional shooting make them a tough matchup for any opponent.
Defensive Strength: The Tar Heels’ ability to stifle opposing offenses is a key ingredient for tournament success.
* Coaching Leadership: Hubert Davis’s tournament record speaks for itself, instilling confidence in the team’s ability to perform under pressure.
The Tar Heels have won 16 in a row when holding an opponent below 40% from the floor. With a mix of veteran leadership, talented newcomers, and strong coaching, north Carolina has emerged as a force to be reckoned with in this tournament. It is clear that they are a strong contender for the title.
Context in American Sports
In American college basketball, especially during March Madness, teams that exhibit dominance in shooting and defense frequently enough advance deep into the tournament. UNC’s performance mirrors that of prosperous teams from the past that combined both offensive prowess and defensive solidity. The example of teams like the 2012 Kentucky Wildcats, who were known for both scoring and holding opponents to low percentages, demonstrates the formula for success. Hubert Davis’s ability to harness these aspects places UNC in a favorable position.
What specific defensive strategies or adjustments do you think Carolina needs to implement to ensure consistent success against teams with varying offensive styles?
Archyde News: Welcome back to Archyde News. Today, we have Coach Ava Carter, a renowned college basketball analyst, to discuss teh amazing performance by the UNC Tar Heels in the NCAA Tournament.
Coach Carter: Thank you for having me.
Archyde News: Coach, let’s dive right in. UNC’s victory over San Diego state was nothing short of historic. What were your initial thoughts on their performance?
Coach Carter: My initial reaction was pure amazement.To score 95 points while shooting over 50% from the field, nearly 60% from three, and 87.5% from the free-throw line is simply unheard of in NCAA Tournament history. It was a clinic in offensive efficiency. Carolina set a school record with 14 three-pointers.
Archyde News: RJ Davis was exceptional, wasn’t he? A perfect 6-for-6 from beyond the arc.
Coach Carter: Absolutely. RJ Davis’s performance was a masterclass. He not only lit up the scoreboard but he tied a program record for most three-pointers made without a miss. His leadership is just as critically important for the team.
Archyde News: The team effort was evident. Six different players made three-pointers and there was also Cadeau’s assists. Do you think this balanced attack is what makes them dangerous?
Coach carter: It absolutely does. A balanced offense is unpredictable and incredibly challenging to defend. The presence of so many contributors makes it difficult to focus on one player. Cadeau adding assists is great as he runs the offense.
Archyde News: San Diego State is known for its tough defence, and the Heels managed to break their field goal percentage defense record. What does this say about UNC’s offensive capabilities?
Coach carter: It speaks volumes.San diego State entered the game ranked number one in the nation in field goal percentage defense. UNC shattered that. It shows that the team is not just a great shooting team,but that they can also adjust and excel against elite defensive units.
Archyde News: Hubert Davis’s coaching seems to be a factor as well. What is your take on his leadership?
coach Carter: Coach Davis has done a fantastic job. His tournament record speaks for itself; an 8-2 run in the tournament. Carolina is a dominant 32-2 when scoring 90 or more points. that kind of record builds confidence in the players.
Archyde News: Looking ahead, where do you see the Tar Heels going in this tournament, given their recent performance?
Coach Carter: Given their recent display, they are definitely a team to watch. They are a contender for the national championship, but they need to keep proving that they can maintain this high level of play throughout the tournament. They have an amazing team with a team of veterans and emerging talent.
Archyde News: Coach Carter, many believe the formula for a championship team revolves around both offensive firepower and defensive solidity, do you think there are any teams that look like the UNC Tar Heels of the past like those from 2012?
Coach Carter: Yes, the UNC Tar Heels really are a team that can be compared to those triumphant teams. It’s a lot to do with the coaching staff.
Archyde News: A final thought question: what specific adjustments do you anticipate Carolina needing to make to continue their success against teams with different styles or strengths?
Coach Carter: It’s really important that Carolina has a solid defense. The defense is really the key to advancing this tournament.
Archyde News: Coach Carter, thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today.
coach Carter: my pleasure.
