2/16/2025
You ever have one of those days where you’re running late, juggling your coffee, and trying not to drop your keys—and then you spill the coffee anyway?
Yeah, that was this game. North Carolina walked into the JMA Wireless Dome on Saturday night needing a win like a fish needs water. A loss? Bubble-bursting. Disaster. And yet, they somehow managed to pull out an 88-82 victory that was uglier than a deformed chipmunk.
But hey, it counts. Freshman Ian Jackson showed up like he had something to prove, knocking down five threes and dropping 23 points. Jae’Lyn Withers—who usually picks his spots like a pro—decided tonight was his time, sinking 19 points and going 7 for 10 from the field. Senior RJ Davis did a little of everything: 16 points, six assists, five boards, and at least one moment where he probably considered taking over the game himself. He didn’t, but the idea was there.
For a while, UNC looked comfortable. Too comfortable. They led by 11 early in the second half, and that’s when Syracuse’s J.J. Starling decided to set his hair on fire and torch the Tar Heels, Clemson style. Syracuse erased the lead in minutes, and the Dome got loud. You could practically hear the panic coming from the light blue side. Tar Heel fans everywhere had that “not again” look on their faces following the disaster of last Monday’s game versus the Tigers.
Then Withers said, “Actually, no” and decided that he felt like taking over once more, chest bumping RJ Davis in the process like it was some WWE smackdown. A jumper, two three-point plays, and suddenly UNC was back up nine. Crisis averted? Of course not. This is North Carolina basketball in February, 2025—we don’t do easy.
Syracuse clawed back to within two in the final minute, but Elliot Cadeau, who had been as low-key as a sloth on vacation, hit a clutch lefty layup. Davis knocked down some free throws, and UNC escaped with the kind of win you don’t brag about, but it counts in the standings.
Not a masterpiece, but in February, a win is a win. The Tar Heels head home to face an NC State team that’s been struggling so badly they might start shooting for the wrong basket just to mix things up.
But if we’ve learned anything about this UNC squad, it’s that they love to keep things interesting. Too interesting.
Eli Barsoum
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