UNC-MSU Clash Eyed by March Madness Fans as R.J. Davis, Bacot, Tar Heels Rout Wagner
North Carolina cruised to a victory over Wagner in the first round of the NCAA tournament on Thursday, as the top-seeded Tar Heels won by the final score of 90-62.
2023-24 ACC Player of the Year RJ Davis took over during the final 20 minutes of the game after scoring just five points in the first half. Davis finished with 22 points, two rebounds, and two assists while shooting 8-13 from the field and 4-7 from three.
Fans were impressed with the strong second-half performance from the senior.
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The Tar Heels also received major contributions from another senior, Armando Bacot. He was dominant on the glass, scoring 20 points and grabbing 15 rebounds in 30 minutes on the floor. As a team, Wagner recorded just 20 total rebounds.
Bacot was also locked in on the defensive end of the court, recording a steal and a block apiece while picking up just two fouls.
The victory by head coach Hubert Davis' team sets up a second-round clash with Michigan State after the Spartans defeated Mississippi State on Thursday. The two schools haven't faced off in the tournament since the 2009 National Championship game, which resulted in a North Carolina victory under former head coach Roy Williams.
Fans were excited about the rematch between the Tar Heels and the Spartans.
After easily avoiding an upset, North Carolina will battle against Michigan State on Saturday. If the Tar Heels deliver a performance similar to their showing on Thursday, they'll likely be headed to the Sweet 16.
