Thanks to inconsistent play all season long, the North Carolina Tar Heels keep jumping in and out of the NCAA Tournament picture.
Tuesday’ night’s loss at Wake Forest may very well be the final nail in the coffin that denies UNC a shot at the Big Dance.
After playing solid basketball for most of the first half – then rallying in the second half – North Carolina faltered late and lost, 67-66, against a red-hot Demon Deacons (15-4, 7-1) squad looking to make an NCAA Tournament of its own.
Tonight’s game was reminiscent of the Tar Heels’ (12-8, 5-3 ACC) earlier-season struggles, when they failed to piece together complete games. UNC won the first half yet again, highlighted by a stretch where Elliot Cadeau had nine points in under five minutes, but cold spells doomed UNC in the second half – just like against Stanford.
North Carolina’s defense shined in the first half, at one point holding Wake to shooting less than 30 percent from the field. Strong defense was a hallmark of the Tar Heels’ recent 4-game winning streak, highlighted by holding SMU to under 70 points.
Wake exploded in the second half – and ended the night shooting 40 percent from the field. It was the Demon Deacons’ defense making the greatest impact late, though – just look at how many times Tre’Von Spillers and Efton Reid denied UNC in the paint.
What went wrong for North Carolina? Why – after leading fans to believe they turned a corner just a week ago – are the Tar Heels suddenly spiraling?
We react to UNC’s disappointing loss below. Does North Carolina have enough gas in the tank to turn its season around, or is all hope lost?
Tuesday was a new low for UNC’s offense
Jan 21, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Ian Jackson (11) goes to the basket defended by Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward Tre’Von Spillers (25) during the first half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Whatever offensive formula that worked for UNC in the past…disappeared Tuesday night at Wake Forest.
North Carolina scored just 66 points, its second time under the 70-point threshold in January alone. Tuesday exposed greater struggles for the Tar Heels’ offense, particularly since ACC play began.
I have no issue with strong defense offsetting average offense, but when your offense is as cold as North Carolina’s, it’s near-impossible to win games.
UNC struggled from 3-point land once again
Jan 21, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) shoots a three point shot against Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Cameron Hildreth (6) during the first half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Elliot Cadeau and RJ Davis were the only Tar Heels who made multiple 3-pointers at Wake Forest. Cadeau made two of four attempts, while Davis shot 3-of-9. Ironically enough, Jae’Lyn Withers made a perimeter jumper for UNC late.
Overall, North Carolina generated a 25 percent (8-of-32) mark from deep. This follows a subpar, 5-of-18 (27.8%) performance against Stanford on Saturday.
The Tar Heels have four elite guards, so why can’t they knock down 3-pointers? That’s a riddle we’re still trying to solve.
Elliot Cadeau continued to grow up right before our eyes
Jan 21, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Elliot Cadeau (3) goes up for a layup defended by Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Cameron Hildreth (6) during the first half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
I know UNC will take team wins over individual standouts any day of the week, but it’s worth noting how well Elliot Cadeau played.
Cadeau recorded his second double-double of the year at Wake Forest, scoring 14 points and dishing out 13 assists. This is the third-consecutive outing Cadeau finished with double-digit point totals, something worth noting considering he’s primarily a passer and ball-handler.
North Carolina can’t have everything, but if Cadeau continues to play at his current level, the hope is other Tar Heels can elevate their game.
UNC’s lack of presence at the free throw line cost it a victory
Jan 21, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Elliot Cadeau (3) shoots a free throw against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons during the first half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
North Carolina isn’t shooting lights-out from the free throw line this season, but its aggressive style of play leads to plenty of opportunities from that area.
There’s just one problem: the Tar Heels only made six of 10 free throws on Tuesday. Wake, on the contrary, made 21 of 27 attempts.
I’m not criticizing the referees in the least bit here, but instead surprised at how little UNC shot free throws. North Carolina is typically an aggressive team – if it went to the line and made more free throws, its trip back from Winston-Salem would be much happier.
NCAA Tournament hopes are gone…barring a NC State-esque hot streak
Jan 21, 2025; Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons guard Cameron Hildreth (6) drives to the basket against North Carolina Tar Heels guard Ian Jackson (11) during the second half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Consecutive losses hurt, particularly when your an NCAA Tournament bubble-chasing team like North Carolina.
UNC should’ve beat Wake, though the Deacs are a strong squad. Losing to Stanford at home, despite the Cardinal being in the ACC’s top half, was questionable.
The Tar Heels don’t have many more opportunities for quality wins, with exceptions being Clemson, and Duke. North Carolina has to win the games it needs to, particularly in another down year for the ACC.
