UNC Shows Growth in Statement Win Over Notre Dame, and Hubert Davis Is Loving the Direction
CHAPEL HILL - North Carolina didn’t just beat Notre Dame on Wednesday night - they made a statement. The 91-69 win at the Dean Smith Center was more than a bounce-back performance. It was the kind of game that shows a team learning from its mistakes, finding its voice, and maybe, just maybe, hitting its stride.
After the game, head coach Hubert Davis met with the media and offered a detailed look into what’s clicking for his team - and what still needs to keep growing.
A Second Half to Build On
Davis was especially pleased with how the Tar Heels came out of halftime. He’s been preaching the importance of stacking stops and putting together consistent stretches - and this time, they delivered.
“We started off on an 8-0 run and just continued it throughout the second half,” Davis said. “That’s something we hadn’t done in a while, and I was really proud and happy for them.”
He noted that while the team didn’t extend its first-half lead as much as he’d hoped, they also didn’t let it slip away - a sign of maturity. The second half?
That was a different story. The urgency was there, the execution followed, and the Tar Heels put the game away with authority.
Carrying Over That West Coast Wake-Up Call
According to Davis, the team’s improved urgency didn’t come out of nowhere. It started on the long trip back from California after a tough outing against Cal. That game - and the way it unfolded - served as a wake-up call.
“There were multiple possessions where we were making mistakes back-to-back,” Davis explained. “We would turn it over, not get back on defense, give up a three.
Miss two free throws, then give up an and-one. We let one play affect the next.”
That’s the kind of sequence that can unravel a team. But Davis made it clear: basketball is a game of mistakes - it’s about how you respond. And on Wednesday, UNC responded.
He also emphasized the importance of moving forward. “I didn’t want California to lead into the next game,” he said. “I wanted to be positive with these guys, give them confidence - and they were able to do that tonight.”
Communication, Leadership, and a Defensive Turnaround
Notre Dame came out firing from deep, hitting 6-of-12 from three in the first half. But in the second, UNC clamped down, holding the Irish to just 2-of-13 from beyond the arc.
The difference? Communication.
“We talk about communication all the time, and it wasn’t there in the first half,” Davis admitted. “Notre Dame does a good job with their go screens, and our communication didn’t match up in transition.”
But once UNC went to a smaller lineup - with Caleb manning the five - things clicked. The communication picked up, and so did the defensive intensity.
That growth in communication wasn’t just on the court, either. Davis lit up when talking about the chatter in the huddles.
“Multiple people were talking - I love that,” he said. “Let’s get stops, let’s box out, let’s talk on defense, let’s get the ball inside, share the ball. That’s the stuff I was really happy about.”
Caleb’s Voice Gets Louder - In the Best Way
One of the biggest developments over the past few days? Caleb stepping up as a vocal leader.
Davis shared that he and Caleb had spent some time together in his office recently, and the message was clear: leadership isn’t about age or class standing - it’s about personality and presence.
“I don’t care if you’re a freshman, walk-on, senior, starter, or don’t get any minutes,” Davis said. “I want guys to speak up. I want guys to be leaders.”
And Caleb has embraced that. Davis said his energy and positivity have been contagious.
“He lights up the room every time he steps in it. Now that he’s using his voice, it’s really motivating guys in a good way.”
Jaydon Gets the Start - And Earns It
Jaydon cracked the starting lineup, and Davis explained it wasn’t about stats - it was about energy.
“That group played the best against Cal,” Davis said. “Not where I want us to be yet, but the closest in terms of effort, energy, enthusiasm, the will and the want-to.”
It’s clear Davis is looking for more than just production - he’s looking for tone-setters. And Jaydon, alongside Derek, brought the kind of backcourt chemistry and effort that set the tone early.
The Challenge Ahead: Sustaining It
One game doesn’t make a season, and Davis knows it. The key now is consistency - bringing that same level of intensity every night, not just when the team is coming off a loss.
“Enjoy winning - it’s hard to win, especially in the ACC,” Davis said. “But tomorrow, we start our preparation for Virginia.”
With 11 new players on the roster, this is still a team learning on the fly. But if Wednesday night was any indication, they’re learning fast - and they’re learning together.
The test now? Can they bring that same fire against a disciplined Virginia squad. If they do, this group might be further along than we thought.