Frustrating Season Finale in Milwaukee
The Carolina basketball team faced a disappointing end to their season, suffering a 71-64 loss to Ole Miss in Milwaukee.
Familiar Struggles
If you’ve followed this team throughout the year, this game will feel all too familiar. Carolina found themselves down by 22 points at one point and had to mount a frantic comeback. They closed the gap to just two points thanks to a three-point play from RJ Davis with 1:09 remaining, but Ole Miss’s Sean Pedulla responded with a three-pointer of his own. Pedulla’s 20-point performance highlights the ongoing trend of ACC players transferring to SEC schools, raising challenges for the ACC as it adapts to this evolving landscape. Carolina had multiple opportunities to secure a victory but ultimately fell short.
Missed Opportunities
A critical moment in the second half occurred when Carolina failed to convert back-to-back layups while trailing by four. Over an eight-minute stretch, the team managed just 2-for-9 on layups, finishing the game with only 4-for-12 on such attempts despite starting strong at 10-for-15. Ole Miss’s physicality contributed to this decline, as the Heels struggled to find clear shots.
Disconnect and Mistakes
Coach Hubert Davis has commented on the team’s need for stronger connection, but that coherence was lacking in this game. A missed box out led to an easy offensive rebound for Ole Miss, and a miscommunication during an inbound play resulted in a turnover. It was emblematic of the team’s struggles throughout the afternoon.
Shooting Woes Continue
As has been the case throughout the season, the inconsistency in three-point shooting proved to be detrimental. After an impressive performance against San Diego State, where they hit a season-high 14 threes, the team could only manage 5 of 24 against Ole Miss. Carolina’s season record now stands at 2-9 when shooting below 30 percent from beyond the arc.
First Half Troubles
The Heels encountered significant issues in the first half, where Ole Miss appeared the more determined team and established a 44-26 lead. While RJ Davis had a fair outing at 4-for-8, his teammates collectively shot just 5 for 18. Ole Miss started strong from three-point range, making six of their first seven attempts, while Carolina struggled, shooting 3-for-11 from the arc.
Looking Ahead
In a concerning development, Carolina will have to monitor Jae’Lyn Withers, who left the game with an ankle injury early in the second half. This game also marked the end of the line for RJ Davis, one of UNC’s all-time leading scorers, who finished with 15 points but struggled with his shooting. As Carolina reflects on this disappointing season, all eyes will now be on the preparations for the following year.
