RJ Davis Leads North Carolina To Victory With Career-High 42 Points

• RJ Davis sets Smith Center scoring record with 42 points.

• North Carolina defeats Miami 75-71 in a close game.

• Davis scores 21 points in each half, including four consecutive 3-pointers.

Miami guard Bensley Joseph (4) and North Carolina forward Armando Bacot (5) go for a rebound during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Monday, Feb. 26, 2024, in Chapel Hill, N.C. (AP Ph

AP

In a thrilling matchup, No. 9 North Carolina secured a 75-71 victory over Miami on Monday night, thanks to a standout performance by senior guard RJ Davis. Davis delivered a career-high 42 points, setting a single-game Smith Center scoring record and leading the Tar Heels to their 22nd win of the season.

Davis showcased his scoring prowess by tallying 21 points in each half, including a remarkable stretch where he sank four consecutive 3-pointers in the second half. His offensive explosion was crucial for North Carolina, as he was the only player to reach double figures in scoring.

Coach Hubert Davis praised RJ's exceptional performance, highlighting his defensive contributions and ball-handling skills. Davis' 42-point outburst proved to be the difference-maker in a closely contested game against Miami.

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North Carolina defeats Miami 75-71 in a close game.

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RJ Davis sets Smith Center scoring record with 42 points.

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Davis scores 21 points in each half, including four consecutive 3-pointers.

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Coach Hubert Davis praises RJ's performance on both ends of the court.

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Miami's Omier and Joseph contribute 22 and 21 points, respectively.

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North Carolina extends lead in ACC standings after the win.

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Miami faces challenges with a losing conference record.

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North Carolina aims to continue their dominance in the ACC.

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Miami to play Boston College next, North Carolina faces North Carolina State.

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Davis' 42-point game is the highest since 1998 for Tar Heels.

Despite a valiant effort from Miami's Norchad Omier, who finished with 22 points, and Bensley Joseph's 21-point contribution, the Hurricanes suffered their seventh consecutive loss. Miami coach Jim Larranaga acknowledged Davis' impact, noting that the Tar Heels guard had an answer for every Miami rally.

With this victory, North Carolina extended its lead in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings, positioning themselves 1 1/2 games ahead of second-place Duke. Davis' scoring outburst marked the highest point total by a Tar Heels player since 1998.

Looking ahead, Miami will face Boston College at home on March 6, while North Carolina is set to host North Carolina State on Saturday. The Tar Heels will aim to build on their momentum as they approach the final stretch of the regular season.

Overall, RJ Davis' stellar performance and clutch shooting propelled North Carolina to a hard-fought win over Miami, showcasing his ability to take over games and deliver when it matters most.

TIP-INS:

• The previous arena scoring record was 40 points, set by Tyler Hansbrough in 2006.
• Miami guards Wooga Poplar and Nigel Pack were sidelined due to lower-body injuries.

BIG PICTURE:

Miami faces a challenging season with a losing conference record, while North Carolina continues to assert its dominance in the ACC under Coach Hubert Davis' leadership.

UP NEXT:

Miami will take on Boston College at home, while North Carolina is set to clash with North Carolina State in their upcoming matchups.

For more college basketball updates and news, stay tuned to the AP Top 25 coverage throughout the season.

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