North Carolina opened up the 2024-25 season against a very valiant in-state opponent. The Tar Heels won 90-76 in a game that had much more uncertainty and drama than the score would indicate.

The Tar Heels actually trailed 71-69 with 6:48 remaining in the game before closing with a 19-7 flurry. There were two big runs that proved to be difference makers for UNC. Elon led 19-17 at the 12:47 mark of the first half. The Heels got their first breathing room of the game by the eight minute mark thanks to a 15-2 run.

A 16-2 burst with UNC trailing 71-69 was the game changer. Combine the two and North Carolina outscored the Phoenix 31-4 in roughly an eight minute window.

The Heels definitely have spurtability in order to make these runs. They created 16 turnovers that led to 13 points, and scored 18 in transition. But it also great to have finishers to turn to when the game is on the line. R.J. Davis and Elliot Cadeau took over the game once their team fell behind late. Davis scored 10 of the 16 points. Cadeau added four, and had an assist on Jalen Washington's layup.

We will look today at the second half surge that thwarted any upset attempt.