Regardless of permitting 50 factors within the second half and dropping a lead as large as 17, the No. 11 ranked Florida Gators held on to knock off North Carolina, 90-84, within the Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte.
North Carolina fought and clawed its manner again all through the second half and took an 84-82 lead with 2:13 remaining after Elliot Cadeau’s made layup.
The Florida protection then did not enable a degree for the rest of the sport and held on to stay undefeated on the season.
Florida had 4 gamers in double figures. Of these 4, Will Richard was the chief with 22 factors and 6 rebounds. Alijah Martin (19 factors), Walter Clayton Jr. (12 factors) and Denzel Aberdeen (12 factors off the bench) have been the three different Gators in double figures.
Veteran level guard RJ Davis led the way in which for North Carolina with 29 factors and eight rebounds. Seth Trimble, Ian Jackson and Cadeau all scored 11 every.
It was a tricky night time total for the Tar Heels from three-point vary, as they have been simply 5-28 (17.9%) a season low for them.
The loss for North Carolina drops its file to 6-5 on the season, a file that’s actually unparalleled for one of many blue bloods of faculty basketball.
Florida (11-0) could have two winnable video games in opposition to North Florida and Stetson earlier than opening SEC play on Jan. 4 in opposition to Kentucky.
