“Fortune favors the bold.” No other team in the ACC Tournament deserved a victory on Friday as much as the Tar Heels. Hubert Davis’ team fought against Duke with all of their hearts, taking the game to the last couple of seconds. However, it seems like luck wasn’t on their side, as a heartbreaking lane violation from Jae’Lyn Withers cost them a game-tying free throw. They fell to the Cooper Flagg-less Duke team 74-71, and suddenly, their March Madness dreams look oh so far away.
Both UNC and Hubert Davis needed this win desperately. The Chapel Hill boys have found themselves on the wrong side of the bubble, and a triumph over Duke would’ve put them through to the NCAA Tournament. Their resume after the loss, however, is quite weak. The Tar Heels were fifth in the ACC with a 13-7 conference record and 22-13 overall, but with the conference tournament exit, their NET ranking has taken a hit!
On The Field of 68: After Dark, show host Jeff Goodman discussed the predicament that UNC has found itself in. While the masses consider Withers’ lane violation as the reason behind losing, Goodman explained how it was a lot more than that. “This game, not just this play, but also a missed free-throw before that, and plenty of other things that put them in a 20+ point hole, have probably cost North Carolina a chance to go to the NCAA Tournament.” He said, pointing out how their 1-12 Quad 1 record would be detrimental to their chances.
According to ESPN’s Bubble Watch, however, UNC has a 60% chance of being invited to the Big Dance. Their NET rankings back that up, as Hubert Davis’ team sits at a lukewarm #36 in the nation. But it isn’t a sure thing at all. If UNC ends up missing the NCAA Tournament, it won’t bode well for their head coach.
Davis was already under fire for missing the tournament in the 2023 season. His Sweet Sixteen run last year was enough to justify the program taking a chance on him. The UNC head coach was extended on a six-year $6.25 million deal, but his job security lies on the success of the team. Friday’s loss set their chances back by a lot, but all hope isn’t lost yet, as they do have an ace up their sleeves as Director Bubba Cunningham’s committee role offers a slim lifeline.
Fellow analyst Rob Dauster pointed out how UNC could get into the Tournament still. “There is one way in hell and that is who is the chair of the selection committee.” He replied to Goodman, bringing up the topic of Bubba Cunningham. The UNC athletic director is serving as the chair of the selection committee as of now. His presence might smooth things over for the Tar Heels, but that’s a last resort if there ever was one.
Losing to Duke in such a manner was heartbreaking for UNC, but it was particularly hard for Withers who shouldered a large chunk of the blame. Hubert Davis didn’t stand for his big man’s criticism, however, as he addressed the situation after the loss.
Hubert Davis backs Withers after missed opportunity
There was honor in the way UNC lost to Duke. North Carolina pushed the best team in the nation to their absolute limits, and they nearly had it too! But there were issues that needed to be addressed. A lax first half gave all of the momentum to the Blue Devils, necessitating a comeback from UNC. However, there was one play in particular that affected their chances of winning.
Jae’Lyn Withers’ lane violation with just four seconds left in the game was crucial for Duke’s win. His foul caused a game-tying free throw to be disregarded, and gave Scheyer’s team the opportunity to win. After the game, Withers was asked how the violation happened, and how he processed its impact on the game.
“I kind of mistimed the shot.” The six-foot-nine forward said. “I was trying to make sure I crashed hard to secure the rebound in case he did miss. And the emotions following was just a sense of mostly disbelief initially. But following that, of course, upset with the end result.” However, according to Hubert Davis, it wasn’t on Withers’ head.
Feb 1, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Kon Knueppel (7) drives the ball around North Carolina Tar Heels guard R.J. Davis (4) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
The North Carolina head coach had his arm wrapped around the young man’s shoulder during the interview. He explained how UNC’s dream run over the last six weeks was largely because of Withers and his effort on both ends of the court. Hubert Davis didn’t hold back at all, even going so far as to say — “We’re not even sitting here semifinals playing Duke without Withers, man.”
With Cooper Flagg out of commission, it was a perfect opportunity for Davis’ team to secure a semifinal win. However, luck didn’t go their way. With this loss, UNC’s route to the NCAA Tournament is in major question. It will be interesting to see whether Selection Sunday goes the way of Hubert Davis and his Tar Heels, or if this was truly the final nail in the coffin for UNC.
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