Glenn Coleman
Dec 03, 2023 - 12:05

UNC basketball defeats Florida State in ACC opener with increased pressure defense

UNC basketball turns away Florida State's upset attempt in a thrilling comeback win, led by RJ Davis and Armando Bacot.

The UNC basketball team displayed an impressive performance as they managed to turn around a challenging game against Florida State. Despite facing a double-digit deficit, the Tar Heels rallied to secure a 78-70 victory in the ACC opener, leveraging the energy of the Smith Center and their full-court pressure.

With a 7-1, 1-0 ACC record, UNC showcased an incredible comeback, scoring 38 points within a 12-minute window in the second half to transform a 14-point deficit into a 13-point lead against FSU, who currently holds a 4-3, 0-1 ACC record.

This victory comes on the heels of consecutive wins against top-25 opponents, including a notable triumph over No. 10 Tennessee in the ACC/SEC Challenge. Despite a slow start in the first half against Florida State, UNC managed to maintain their momentum and secure the win. This is a significant improvement from their previous performance against top-10 opponents, where they faced a 12-point loss to No. 19 Kentucky following a nonconference win against a top-10 team in 2018.

Key players such as RJ Davis, Armando Bacot, and Harrison Ingram played pivotal roles in leading UNC to victory. The team's guards, including Elliot Cadeau, Seth Trimble, and RJ Davis, were particularly effective in executing a full-court press, contributing to a 22-0 run that flustered FSU and led to a significant lead for UNC.

The game saw a remarkable turnaround, with UNC initially trailing by six points at halftime after scoring only 29 points. The team struggled with missed shots and turnovers in the first half, but they quickly turned the tide in the final 10 minutes of the game.

Looking ahead, UNC is set to face the reigning national champion UConn in a challenging nonconference matchup. The Tar Heels will continue to test their skills and resilience as they prepare to take on the fourth-ranked Huskies at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Overall, UNC's victory over Florida State showcased their ability to overcome adversity and turn the game in their favor. The team's tenacity and skill were on full display, setting the stage for an exciting and promising season ahead.