UNC Basketball: RJ Davis Explodes for Career-High 36 Points in Dominant Victory Over Wake Forest
Chapel Hill, N.C. –
In a resounding display of offensive firepower, UNC basketball’s RJ Davis erupted for a career-high 36 points on Monday night, leading the third-ranked Tar Heels to an 85-64 victory over Wake Forest at the Smith Center. Davis’s remarkable performance, which included a UNC record-setting 16 straight games with multiple 3-pointers, propelled UNC to its eighth consecutive ACC victory and maintained their undefeated conference record.
RJ Davis’s Stellar Night: A Record-Breaking Performance
RJ Davis showcased his exceptional talent and consistency against Wake Forest, etching his name into UNC basketball history. The senior guard’s 36-point outburst marked a career-high, surpassing his previous best of 30 points set earlier this season. Davis’s shooting accuracy was equally impressive, as he connected on 14 of his 23 field goal attempts, including a sizzling 6-of-11 from beyond the arc.
Davis’s dominance extended beyond scoring, as he also contributed four rebounds, three assists, and two steals. His all-around performance earned him the loudest ovation of the night from the Smith Center crowd when he exited the game with just under a minute remaining.
UNC’s Second-Half Onslaught: Overpowering Wake Forest
After trailing by one point at halftime, UNC unleashed an offensive onslaught in the second half, overwhelming Wake Forest with a 52-32 scoring advantage. The Tar Heels’ resurgence was fueled by a balanced attack, with six layups and five 3-pointers in the final 20 minutes.
UNC’s dominance in the paint was particularly evident, as they accumulated 48 points in the paint compared to Wake Forest’s 20. The Tar Heels’ ability to penetrate the Demon Deacons’ defense and convert easy shots proved to be a decisive factor in the game.
Wake Forest’s Late First-Half Surge: A Brief Resurgence
Despite UNC’s strong start, Wake Forest managed to rally late in the first half, erasing an eight-point deficit and taking a 34-33 lead into the break. The Demon Deacons’ resurgence was sparked by Damari Monsanto, who drained two 3-pointers in the final minutes of the half.
Wake Forest’s hot shooting and UNC’s struggles from 3-point range (0-of-8 in the first half) contributed to the Demon Deacons’ halftime advantage. However, UNC’s adjustments in the second half, coupled with Davis’s offensive explosion, proved too much for Wake Forest to overcome.
Hubert Davis Praises RJ Davis’s Performance and UNC’s Team Effort
UNC head coach Hubert Davis was effusive in his praise for RJ Davis’s performance, highlighting the senior guard’s consistent excellence throughout his career. Davis expressed his pride in Davis’s development and the recognition he is finally receiving for his outstanding play.
Coach Davis also lauded the team’s collective effort in the second half, emphasizing the importance of their offensive execution and defensive intensity. He attributed UNC’s success to their ability to make adjustments at halftime and execute their game plan effectively.
Conclusion: UNC’s Continued Dominance in the ACC
With their resounding victory over Wake Forest, UNC basketball extended their winning streak to eight games and remained undefeated in ACC play. RJ Davis’s record-breaking performance served as a testament to his individual brilliance and the Tar Heels’ overall depth and talent.
As UNC navigates the remainder of the regular season, they will look to maintain their momentum and secure a favorable seeding in the NCAA Tournament. With Davis leading the charge and the team playing with confidence and cohesion, the Tar Heels are poised for a deep run in March Madness.