Chapel Hill, NC – In an electrifying Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) basketball matchup on January 18, 2025, the Stanford Cardinal managed to upset the North Carolina Tar Heels 72-71 in Chapel Hill’s Dean E. Smith Center.
The game was closely contested from start to finish, with both teams showcasing their offensive prowess and defensive tenacity. Stanford, led by the impressive performance of Maxime Raynaud, who notched a game-high 25 points and 13 rebounds, came into Chapel Hill as underdogs but played with the poise of a team ready for any challenge. Raynaud’s dominance inside was a significant factor, but it was Jaylen Blakes who sealed the victory for Stanford with a clutch jumper with only 1.5 seconds remaining on the clock. Blakes finished the game with 20 points and 7 assists, proving to be a pivotal player in Stanford’s strategy.
For North Carolina, RJ Davis led the Tar Heels with 19 points, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win. The Tar Heels had been on a roll with a four-game win streak, riding high on a strong defensive performance in recent games. However, this match-up against Stanford exposed some vulnerabilities, particularly in closing out games. Seth Trimble made a pair of free throws with just 7.7 seconds left, giving UNC a slim lead, but it was not enough to fend off Stanford’s last-second heroics.
Key Moments
The game’s tension peaked in the final minutes. With UNC leading by five points with 4:23 left, it seemed like the Tar Heels were poised to extend their winning streak. However, Stanford capitalized on UNC’s turnovers and missed opportunities, mounting a comeback that would be highlighted by Blakes’ game-winning shot.
One notable moment was when UNC had a chance in transition but failed to capitalize due to a miscommunication, leading to a turnover. This play was indicative of the narrow margins that decided the game’s outcome.
Statistical Breakdown
- Scoring: Stanford’s balanced scoring was matched by UNC’s, but the Cardinal’s ability to score in crucial moments made the difference.
- Defense: Both teams struggled to contain the other’s leading scorers, but Stanford’s blocks and steals were critical, especially in the final stretch.
- Turnovers: North Carolina was uncharacteristically loose with the ball, which Stanford turned into points.
Post-Game Reflections
The loss was a significant blow for UNC, who had been trending upwards with a strong defensive identity since the start of January. This game underscored the importance of maintaining focus and execution down to the last second, a lesson the Tar Heels will need to learn moving forward.
For Stanford, this victory was monumental, not just for the win itself but for the statement it made. It was their first win against UNC in 14 encounters. Coach Jerod Haase’s squad proved they could compete and win in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
UNC Scoring Leader: RJ Davis 19
UNC Rebound Leader: Elliot Cadeau 6
UNC Assist Leader: Cadeau and Davis 5
Team Records: UNC 12-7, 5-2 ACC, Stanford 12-6, 4-3 ACC
- Lubin and Jalen Washington (season-high nine field goal attempts) combined for 21 points, the second time the two have combined for 20 or more points this season (26 against American).
- Next Game: at Wake Forest, Tuesday, January 21 (9 p.m., ESPN)
- Stanford ended UNC’s four-game win streak and defeated UNC for the first time in 14 games all-time.
- Jaylin Blakes’ basket with 1.5 seconds left was the first time an opponent hit a game-winning shot with under than five seconds to play since Matt Coleman III of Texas on 12/2/20.
- UNC lost by one point at the Smith Center for the first time since losing to Pittsburgh, 65-64, on 2/1/23.
- UNC lost at the Smith Center when leading at halftime for the first time since losing to Duke on 2/8/20. This was the 19th time Carolina has ever lost at the Smith Center when leading at halftime.
- Carolina tied its season low with five turnovers (also vs. American). It was the fewest turnovers by the Tar Heels in a loss since losing to Duke, 86-78, on 2/9/17.
- UNC lost for the first time when leading at the half this season. The Tar Heels drop to 10-1 when leading at halftime this season.
- RJ Davis is 12th in ACC career three-pointers with 312. His three 3FGs today broke a tie with Syracuse’s Buddy Boeheim. Duke’s Jay Williams is 11th with 313 three-pointers.
- Davis moved past 2,400 points (2,416), the seventh player in ACC history to do so.
- Davis led UNC in scoring for the sixth time this season and 51st time in his career. UNC is 35-16 when Davis leads the Tar Heels in scoring.
- This was the first time Ian Jackson did not make a three-pointer and first time he didn’t score in double figures in nine games since he scored five points vs. La Salle.
- Ven-Allen Lubin scored a season-high 13 points, the fourth time this season he has scored in double figures.