3 Big Observations from UNC's Narrow Win Over Miami
By Joe Summers
2. The Late-Game Collapse Was Concerning
It felt like the Tar Heels had the game all wrapped up when disaster struck following a foul on RJ Davis with 3:31 to play. North Carolina had essentially controlled the entire game, withstanding a few Miami runs before taking a 13-point lead.
The Hurricanes promptly made a three-pointer and forced consecutive turnovers, adding another three for good measure. RJ Davis missed a pair of shots, committed a foul for two more Miami points then promptly turned the ball over himself.
One Matthew Cleveland three-pointer later and suddenly, the Tar Heels' lead was cut to 72-70 with 90 seconds left. North Carolina held firm defensively to seal the game, but it was a concerning late-game collapse nonetheless.
An experienced team this deep in the season has no business falling apart with an easy win in hand. Miami ranks 202nd nationally in opponent effective field goal percentage (50.9%) and 205th in opponent turnover rate (16.7%), giving no excuse for the closing moments.
It's easy to remember the Tar Heels letting a double-digit lead slip away against Kansas in that 2022 championship game. They'll need to shore up the late-game execution, though you're grateful for a win either way.