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It was a memorable night at the Dean Dome in multiple ways.
In the third “snow game” with free admission in the history of the Smith Center, mostly students packed the lower arena and made like the “Carolina Crazies” in the Tar Heels 97-73 slaughter of struggling N.C. State.
But by far, the loudest cheer came when Chancellor Lee Roberts walked to midcourt with a microphone during a second-half timeout.
He received a mixed reception until announcing classes were cancelled for tomorrow (Thursday). A thunderous roar followed.
UNC Chancellor Lee Roberts announces classes are cancelled tomorrow.
The Dean Dome erupts. ? pic.twitter.com/kfM91Xf1cp
— Travon Miles (@TrayABC11) February 20, 2025
The icy conditions prompted Roberts’ decision, and he became a hometown hero for the moment. Less noticed in the crowd and braving the weather was UNC’s new football coach Bill Belichick in a puffy Carolina jacket along with his partner Jordon Hudson.
The Tar Heels won their second straight game in what must be a six-in-a-row run to keep them on the NCAA tournament bubble, and perhaps their best performance of the season bodes well for the next four opponents who, like the Wolfpack, are all in the second division of the ACC.
It was a blowout almost from the jump, with a 23-8 start growing to a 30-point lead on three consecutive baskets to start the second half by Ven-Allen Lubin, the only Tar Heel to not take a shot or score before intermission. VAL wound up one of four players in double figures, led by R.J. Davis’ 21 points and 15 from Seth Trimble who led all rebounders with 7. Former Heel turned Pack starter Dontrez Styles had 18 points and three treys.
In beating State for the seventh straight time in Chapel Hill, UNC’s domination sent the Pack to 3-12 in the ACC and 10-16 overall. This squad is far from the team that swept five games of the ACC tournament last year to earn the automatic NCAA bid.
Carolina was outplayed in the first match-up while winning in Raleigh by two points, which began a nine-game losing streak that sunk State for this season and put coach Kevin Keatts back in jeopardy of getting fired once the Pack plays it out. At halftime, State was getting whacked 54-36, plus on points in the paint, second-chance points, fast break points and bench scoring.
The beating was so thorough that UNC did not trail for the second straight game and the fourth time this season. After the win at Syracuse R.J. Davis insisted “we’re all on the same page,” and the Heels will have to prove it if they are to return to the post-season.
Jae’Lyn Withers, praised vociferously by Hubert Davis after his season-best game, started again and blended in this time with 8 points and 4 rebounds. Elliott Cadeau also had 8 and 4 bugaboo turnovers that continue to plague him. Cade Tyson, who has become a crowd favorite, entered late in the first half and swished two 3-pointers from the corner.
As Belichick might say, “We’re on to Virginia.”
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Featured image via Todd Melet
Art Chansky is a veteran journalist who has written ten books, including best-sellers “Game Changers,” “Blue Bloods,” and “The Dean’s List.” He has contributed to WCHL for decades, having made his first appearance as a student in 1971. His “Sports Notebook” commentary airs daily on the 97.9 The Hill WCHL and his “Art’s Angle” opinion column runs weekly on Chapelboro.Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
Chansky’s Notebook: Carolina Crazies Chapelboro.com.
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