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CHAPEL HILL — Anybody who thought that top-ranked South Carolina would roll into Chapel Hill and coast to victory didn’t know the character and resolve of No. 24 North Carolina. UNC has a history of giving the national power some of its toughest games, and that was the case again Thursday when the Tar Heels led by as many as 11 points in the first half. They battled admirably before losing 65–58 in the inaugural ACC/SEC Women’s Challenge before a loud and sold-out Carmichael Arena.
CHAPEL HILL — With freshman point guard Elliot Cadeau deftly creating offense with his dazzling passing, senior RJ Davis is flourishing as more of a catch-and-shoot two-guard, and it has North Carolina’s offense in overdrive. Davis followed up a 30-point game in Friday’s 87–72 victory over Arkansas in the Bahamas with 27 points Wednesday in the No. 17 Tar Heels’ 100–92 victory in the ACC/SEC Men’s Challenge at the Smith Center.
The Orlando Magic and Cole Anthony continue to be on a roll. Late in the game, the fourth-year pro took a pass and threw down a memorable alley-oop dunk.
CHAPEL HILL — Fans who screamed, smiled and enjoyed the show, particularly before halftime, were left to wonder what the ceiling is for Coach Hubert Davis’ fourth Carolina team. It could be much higher than the roof if the Tar Heels can avoid rough stretches like the one they endured late in the second half.
Coby White and Cam Johnson had big games but Harrison Barnes and Sacramento were the big winners as the Kings advanced to the quarterfinals of the inaugural In-Season Tournament. Nassir Little’s Suns also advanced, but he had a bigger off-the-court life moment.
CHAPEL HILL — UNC coach Hubert Davis and Harrison Ingram talked at a Tuesday press conference about the Tar Heels’ performance in winning two of three games at the Battle 4 Atlantis and looked ahead to Wednesday’s home game against Tennessee.
If the majority of the bowl projections are correct, North Carolina will play in the Gator Bowl for the first time since the last season of Coach Mack Brown’s first stint at UNC. Another projection features a tantalizing quarterback matchup.
After winning two of three games in the Bahamas at the Battle 4 Atlantis, North Carolina fell three spots to No. 17 in the latest AP Top 25 men’s basketball poll.
After losing two of three games at the Gulf Coast Showcase in Estero, Fla., North Carolina fell six spots to No. 24 in the latest AP Top 25 women’s basketball poll, with a home showdown against No. 1 South Carolina ahead on Thursday.
Week 12 of the NFL season started with a frustrating Thanksgiving Day for quarterback Sam Howell and Washington, but wide receiver Josh Downs and running back Javonte Williams helped their teams earn Sunday victories, running back Michael Carter made his Arizona debut and cornerback Mike Hughes started for Atlanta.
Cole Anthony scored nearly a point a minute while pouring in 30 points to lead Orlando to its seventh consecutive victory Sunday. Chicago’s Coby White had a big game but in a loss to Cam Johnson, Day’Ron Sharpe and Brooklyn.
ESTERO, Fla. — North Carolina left Florida with two losses, some tough lessons and plenty of heartbreak after missing late opportunities. After Kierra Adams’ driving layup put Florida Gulf Coast up by one with seven seconds left, Deja Kelly’s potential game-winning shot missed and Lexi Donarski’s follow shot went in a split-second too late.
ESTERO, Fla. — When you try to play a basketball tournament in a minor-league hockey arena, there will be issues, and the players have had to deal with them during the Gulf Coast Showcase.
Dontrez Styles had another big game for Georgetown in Saturday night’s 88–81 home victory over Jackson State in the Hoyas’ third straight win.
ESTERO, Fla. — It might excite Tar Heels fans to know that iconic Iowa star Caitlyn Clark once wore a Carolina uniform and was a huge UNC fan. That uniform, though, was a Harrison Barnes jersey.
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