Chapel Hill, NC – In a commanding performance, the Carolina basketball team showcased their defensive strength in Tuesday night’s 82-67 victory over Southern Methodist University (SMU), with Coach Hubert Davis praising his players’ execution and communication. The game highlighted the team’s ability to defend against a formidable opponent known for its size and offensive rebounding prowess.
Defensive Strategy: A Key to Victory
In the first half of the game against SMU, Carolina established a double-digit lead, largely due to their impressive defensive strategy. Coach Davis emphasized the importance of double-teaming in the post, a tactic the team had practiced extensively leading up to the match. “We executed that really well,” Davis noted, highlighting the players’ ability to stay with their shooters and effectively manage SMU’s offensive threats.
The coach acknowledged the challenge posed by SMU’s players, particularly their standout, Matt Cross, who presents a unique matchup due to his versatility on the court. “He can play on the perimeter, he can post, he can shoot threes,” Davis explained. However, he credited his team’s disciplined defense, which managed to limit Cross’s impact while avoiding fouls.
Davis pointed out that the team’s pressure on the ball created turnovers, allowing them to finish defensive possessions with rebounds. This was crucial, especially against an opponent that ranked as the number one offensive rebounding team in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). “That first half was really good defensively along those lines,” he stated.
Rebounding: Fueling the Team’s Energy
The coach also noted the significance of rebounding in the team’s performance. He explained how keeping SMU from securing offensive rebounds provided the team with the energy needed to transition into offense. “For us, defensively, being able to finish with a rebound allows us to get out in transition,” Davis said. This transition game has been a consistent strength for Carolina throughout the season.
Davis emphasized the importance of teamwork in rebounding, stating, “Everything that we do has to be done together.” This collective approach was a focal point in their pre-game discussions, reinforcing the need for every player to contribute on both ends of the court.
Communication: The Foundation of Success
Davis highlighted the impact of effective communication on the court, particularly following a previous game against Notre Dame where the team had emphasized defensive dialogue. “There was a carryover,” he remarked, noting that the players held each other accountable and ensured that everyone was on the same page regarding their defensive strategies and offensive plays.
The coach expressed satisfaction with the level of communication observed during the game, although he acknowledged that there is always room for improvement. “The communication, even though I think it can get better, was really good,” he stated, underscoring its critical role in the team’s success.
Managing Player Health and Performance
The conversation also touched on the challenges of reintegrating players who have recently returned from injury. Davis addressed the situation of Seth Trimble, who had missed three games but was now back on the court. “I don’t look at it as a challenge; I look at it as a good thing he’s back,” he said, expressing optimism about Seth’s contributions moving forward.
Davis acknowledged that finding rhythm after an absence can be difficult, but he remained confident in Seth’s ability to regain his form. “A huge part of basketball is finding your rhythm,” he explained, emphasizing that practice and game time are essential for players to get back into their groove.
Player Development: Confidence and Shooting Mechanics
Another topic of discussion was the development of players like R.J. Davis, who had been working on improving his shooting technique. Davis noted the adjustments R.J. had made, specifically focusing on increasing the arc of his shots. “The best critic on anyone’s shot is your own shot,” he remarked, highlighting the importance of self-awareness in a player’s performance.
Davis expressed his belief that minor adjustments in shooting mechanics can be made throughout the season, allowing players to fine-tune their skills without overhauling their techniques. “Little tweaks and pivots are very easy to do,” he stated, reinforcing the idea that ongoing development is part of the game.
Carolina Basketball Seeks to Keep Improving
In summary, Coach Hubert Davis’s reflections following the victory over SMU reveal a team that is not only focused on improving its defensive capabilities but is also committed to fostering communication and teamwork. The emphasis on rebounding and player development, particularly for those returning from injury, signals a promising outlook for the remainder of the season.
As the team continues to build on their recent successes, fans are hoping to see a Carolina squad that plays with intensity, cohesion, and confidence—qualities that are essential for their journey ahead.
UNC Scoring Leader: RJ Davis 26
UNC Rebound Leader: Ian Jackson 7
UNC Assist Leader: RJ Davis 4
Team Records: UNC 10-6, 3-1 ACC; SMU 11-4, 2-2 ACC
- Carolina and SMU played an ACC game for the first time.
- The Tar Heels improve to 3-1 all-time vs. the Mustangs, including 2-0 in the Smith Center. This was the first meeting between the teams since 12/12/1987.
- The Tar Heels have won 22 straight games when holding opponents below 70 points.
- Carolina did not trail for the second time this season (Hawai’i) and led for 39:13, the most in any game this season.
- UNC is 8-0 this season when leading at the half.
- It was the second game in a row UNC led by double digits in the first half (led by as many as 17 in the first half).
- Carolina shot 53.8% in the second half, the seventh consecutive game the Tar Heels have shot 50% or better in the second half.
- It was the 15th time in 16 games UNC shot a higher percentage in the second half than the first.
- UNC held SMU to 33.3% from the floor, a season low for the Mustangs (previous low was 34.3% vs. Duke).
- The Tar Heels are 5-0 this season when holding an opponent below 40% from the floor.
- SMU shot 25% from the floor in the first half, its lowest percentage in any half this season (30.6% in first half vs. Washington State).
- It was the lowest percentage in the first half by a Tar Heel opponent this season (previous 31.4% by Campbell) and the second-lowest percentage in any half.
- UNC held SMU to 24 points in the first half, the fewest in the first half by an opponent this season (previous low was 25 by La Salle).
- Carolina made seven threes in the first half, one off its season high for threes in a half (eight in the first half vs. Elon).
- Carolina is 51-9 under Hubert Davis when it scores 80 or more points.
- The Tar Heels scored 39 points in the first half and 43 points in the second half, the 14th time in 16 games this season UNC has scored more points in the second half than the first.
- RJ Davis scored a game-high 26 points before leaving the game with a bloody nose. It was his 40th career 20-point game (UNC is 31-9 in those games) and the 18th time he has scored 25 or more (UNC 13-5).
- Davis led UNC with four assists and has 499 in his career. He is one assist from becoming the 13th Tar Heel with 500 assists.
- Drake Powell scored 17 points, the third time he has scored in double figures in the last in four games, and the fourth time this season.
- Powell’s 17 points were one off his season high of 18 against Michigan State. Powell made three 3FGs in the first half and four for the game. Powell’s three 3FGs in the first half were the most he’s made in a half this season. His four threes
for the game tied his season-high, also against Michigan State. - Powell made multiple three pointers for the fourth time this season. UNC is 3-1 when Powell makes multiple threes.
- Powell’s 14 first-half points were his most in a half this season (previous high was 10 against Michigan State in the first half and Louisville in the second half).
- Ian Jackson scored 18 points, reaching double figures for the sixth consecutive game and the 11th time this season.
- Jackson made three 3FGs, the fifth straight game he has made multiple threes. Jackson is the only Tar Heel to make at least one 3FG in every game.
- Jackson tied his season high with seven rebounds.
- Jalen Washington blocked four shots and has nine in the past two games. It is the most blocks in a two-game stretch by a Tar Heel since Armando Bacot had nine against Boston College and NC State in 2021-22.
- Seth Trimble played 26 minutes and had three assists after missing the previous three games due to an upper-body injury.
Next Game: at NC State, Saturday, January 11 (4 p.m., ACC Network)