After a tense wait, North Carolina secured the final spot in the NCAA tournament—then made a statement with a commanding 95-68 victory over San Diego State in the First Four.
The Tar Heels, who faced criticism for their selection due to a poor record against top-tier opponents, wasted no time proving they belonged. They took control early with a 20-2 run and led 47-23 at halftime. The team drained 14 three-pointers, their highest total in an NCAA tournament game since the three-point line was introduced in 1986-87.
Senior guard RJ Davis delivered a record-setting performance, going 6-for-6 from beyond the arc—becoming the first Tar Heel to achieve that in March Madness history. Sophomore Elliot Cadeau also shined, tying a program tournament record with 12 assists.
San Diego State, a Final Four team last season, struggled mightily and trailed by as many as 40 points, their worst deficit in years. Despite a late push, the Aztecs couldn’t prevent North Carolina’s dominant win.
“We know we deserved to be here,” said guard Seth Trimble, who scored 16 points and was perfect from the free-throw line. “We’re just looking to compete as a team and be the best version of ourselves.”
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