UNC Basketball’s RJ Davis Explodes for Career-High 36 Points in Dominant Victory over Wake Forest
Chapel Hill, NC – January 30, 2024: In a resounding display of offensive firepower, UNC basketball’s RJ Davis erupted for a career-high 36 points, leading the third-ranked Tar Heels to an emphatic 85-64 victory over Wake Forest at the Smith Center. Davis’ stellar performance, coupled with UNC’s suffocating defense in the second half, propelled the Tar Heels to their eighth consecutive ACC victory, maintaining their unblemished conference record.
RJ Davis’ Record-Breaking Night:
RJ Davis, UNC’s senior guard, delivered a mesmerizing performance, captivating the Smith Center crowd with his electrifying play. He connected on 14 of his 23 field goal attempts, including a remarkable 8-of-16 from beyond the arc, setting a new UNC record for consecutive games with multiple 3-pointers, extending his streak to an impressive 16 games. Davis’ offensive outburst marked his fourth 20-point game of the season, further cementing his status as one of the nation’s elite guards.
UNC’s Second-Half Onslaught:
Trailing by three points at halftime, UNC unleashed an offensive onslaught in the second half, overwhelming Wake Forest with their relentless attack. The Tar Heels exploded for 52 points in the final 20 minutes, shooting a blistering 58.3% from the field, including a sizzling 62.5% from 3-point range. UNC’s balanced scoring attack featured six players reaching double figures, with Armando Bacot contributing 16 points and Caleb Love adding 14 points.
Wake Forest’s Late First-Half Surge:
Despite UNC’s early dominance, Wake Forest mounted a spirited rally in the final minutes of the first half, erasing an eight-point deficit and taking a 34-33 lead into the break. Damari Monsanto ignited the Demon Deacons’ offense with two timely 3-pointers, while Andrew Carr and Tyree Appleby chipped in with key baskets. Wake Forest’s late surge kept them within striking distance heading into the second half.
UNC’s Stifling Defense:
In the second half, UNC’s defense clamped down on Wake Forest, limiting the Demon Deacons to a mere 32 points on 26.7% shooting. The Tar Heels’ relentless pressure forced Wake Forest into numerous turnovers, leading to easy transition opportunities for UNC. Armando Bacot anchored the defense with a dominant performance on the boards, grabbing 12 rebounds, including five on the offensive glass.
Hubert Davis Praises RJ Davis’ Performance:
UNC head coach Hubert Davis, who is also RJ Davis’ father, expressed immense pride in his son’s record-breaking performance. He lauded RJ’s relentless work ethic and unwavering dedication, emphasizing the significance of this career milestone. Coach Davis acknowledged that RJ’s exceptional talent is finally gaining the national recognition it deserves.
UNC’s Continued Dominance in the ACC:
With the victory over Wake Forest, UNC extended its winning streak in the ACC to eight games, remaining atop the conference standings. The Tar Heels’ undefeated record in conference play reflects their unwavering dominance and championship aspirations. UNC’s next challenge will be a road test against Virginia Tech on Saturday, February 4th, where they will aim to maintain their unblemished ACC record.
Rodd Baxley’s Concluding Remarks:
Rodd Baxley, a staff writer for the Fayetteville Observer, provided insightful observations and analysis of UNC’s dominant performance against Wake Forest. He highlighted RJ Davis’ All-American caliber game, UNC’s second-half offensive explosion, Wake Forest’s late first-half surge, and UNC’s stifling defense. Baxley’s commentary underscores the significance of UNC’s victory and the team’s continued dominance in the ACC.
Call to Action:
RJ Davis’ record-breaking performance has solidified his status as one of the nation’s premier guards. With UNC poised to make a deep run in March Madness, Davis’ leadership and scoring prowess will be crucial to their success. Stay tuned to follow RJ Davis and the UNC Tar Heels as they continue their quest for a National Championship.