Instant reactions to UNC basketball’s devastating loss against undefeated Florida

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Dec 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Ian Jackson (11) tries to get past Florida Gators forward Thomas Haugh (10) during the second half at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Tuesday, December 17 presented the North Carolina Tar Heels a chance to do something they failed to in four previous tries: beat a ranked team.

UNC faced off with the seventh-ranked, undefeated Florida Gators in Charlotte, NC for the Jumpman Invitational. Tuesday was technically considered a neutral-site game, but it felt more like a home-court advantage for North Carolina, something RJ Davis alluded to after Saturday’ dominant win over La Salle.

The Tar Heels dug themselves into another big first-half hole against a strong opponent and, despite rallying from a 17-point deficit to take multiple late leads in the second half, they lost 90-84 to Florida.

We could talk about how impressive UNC’s (6-5, 1-0 ACC) comeback was, but instead, UNC suffered another disappointing result. North Carolina did the exact same thing against Kansas on the road, then lost. The Tar Heels roared back against Michigan State, only to lose. UNC rallied from 21 down against Dayton, but actually won that game.

North Carolina is now 1-5 against ranked teams, not a good sign when it comes time for March Madness. The Gators (11-0) used their massive height advantage late to grab key rebounds, plus their defense forced multiple key turnovers that doomed the Tar Heels.

UNC’s road ahead doesn’t get any easier, as it’ll visit the Big Apple for a Saturday clash, with 18th-ranked UCLA in Madison Square Garden.

Tonight, though, we give you five instant reactions from North Carolina’s fifth loss to a ranked team. Will the road ahead ever get better?

UNC’s lack of height is a major issue

Dec 17, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) goes up for a shot against Florida Gators center Rueben Chinyelu (9) during the first half at Spectrum Center….

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Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/instant-reactions-unc-basketballs-devastating-033710216.html

Author : Tar Heels Wire

Publish date : 2024-12-18 03:37:00

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