State secured a much-needed victory, delighting their fans, while Carolina seemed out of sorts on the court. After a tough 41-point loss to Louisville and a dramatic collapse against Miami, State found their spark against a Carolina squad missing its stars, Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar.
Carolina struggled without their key players, relying heavily on three-point attempts that just wouldn’t fall. Their strategy seemed to hinge on hope rather than execution, leading to a frustrating evening for the Tar Heels.
In a game where it was hard to single out a standout performer, Jarin Stevenson emerged as a bright spot. While he didn’t hit from beyond the arc, Stevenson worked effectively inside, notching 13 points on 4-7 shooting and a perfect 5-5 from the line. His nine rebounds and zero turnovers were crucial, especially in a game where ball control was paramount.
Zayden High also put in a solid performance with 13 points, but his defensive struggles were evident. With Veesaar and Wilson returning, his minutes might be limited.
High fouled out, hit only 5 of 8 free throws, and committed four turnovers. Despite these issues, he was a key factor in keeping Carolina competitive for much of the game.
Overall, Carolina’s performance was lackluster. Tyler Hansbrough’s commentary highlighted the lack of offensive cohesion, as the team failed to capitalize on opportunities to attack inside, especially with the officials calling fouls on State.
Looking ahead, Carolina needs to regroup quickly as they face a hungry Syracuse team on Saturday. If Veesaar and Wilson remain sidelined, the Tar Heels must learn from this defeat and bring a more cohesive game plan to the court.