“I started getting chills in my body”: RJ Davis remembers how 42-point game with UNC was the “best feeling of his life”

UNC guard RJ Davis is currently in his fifth and final year of college basketball. In the 2024-25 season, the veteran Tar Heel is averaging 17.6 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.4 steals across 10 games played in the campaign.

As he soaks in his last tenure as a collegiate hooper, Davis recently reminisced on his 42-point explosion against Miami back in February of this year. In a Dec. 13 episode of the Captain Jack Show, the 23-year-old was asked about how it felt to perform like he did in the fixture, to which he said:

"The game before that, we played UVA. I went like 1-for-10 or something like that, like 12 points...Started the game, boom, I hit the first three. I'm like I feel good. Get a layup, that's a quick five points. I'm like, "This feels smooth," Davis reminisced (O:05).

"But then, I just started going on a scoring run by myself. I'm up to like 20 (points) at half. During the second half, I'm playing, hooping, scoring. Between (the) 36 and 39 (point), I started getting chills in my body. I swear to God," he added.

Davis then shared what the defining moment of the game was for him.

"When I hit the snatch (back), the snatch three, and the crowd went crazy, everybody started chanting my name. It was probably the best feeling I've ever had in my life," Davis expressed (0:29).

The 6-foot scorer eventually finished the matchup with an efficient 14-of-22 field goals made, including 7-for-11 line from the three-point arc. Davis also had six rebounds and four steals to charge UNC four-point triumph over Miami, 75-71.

He then rounded out the season with averages of 21.2 points, 3.6 boards, 3.5 dimes and 1.2 swipes. The Tar Heels would ultimately produce a Sweet Sixteen appearance in the national tournament later that year.

With the way Davis has performed throughout his career, it's clear as day that he can score. Wherever the combo guard ends up after his UNC days, his scoring skills will certainly be put to good use. For now, Davis is giving it one last meaningful run with UNC as they go up against the Florida Gators next on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

RJ Davis broke Tyler Hansbrough's Smith Center points record

Davis' 42-point performance shattered former Tar Heels standout Tyler Hansbrough's Smith Center record of 40 points, set against Georgia Tech in 2006. This longstanding record at UNC's home court had remained unbroken for nearly two decades until Davis surpassed it.

Given the current emphasis on three-pointers and high-scoring games, it's uncertain how long Davis' record will stand. However, with one more season left, there's a possibility we could witness another explosive performance from Davis, capping off his remarkable college career.