“Refs handed UNC a win”: College hoops fans react as RJ Davis and Seth Trimble inspire narrow win vs Dayton

No. 12 North Carolina rallied from a 21-point deficit to defeat Dayton 92-90 in the Maui Invitational on Monday night. RJ Davis scored a season-high 30 points, adding seven rebounds and five assists. Seth Trimble contributed a career-high 27 points and 10 rebounds, becoming the first UNC guard to record at least 25 points and 10 boards since Cole Anthony tallied 34 points and 11 rebounds against Notre Dame on Nov. 6, 2019.

The game’s turning point came when Nate Santos appeared to tie the game at 90 for Dayton with a 3-pointer from the left corner. However, a video review determined his foot was on the line.

The shot was reduced to two points, cutting North Carolina’s lead to one. Davis then hit two free throws with 4.3 seconds remaining to extend the Tar Heels' lead to 92-89.

After the game, some fans on X (formerly) shared their thoughts as they felt the Flyers were cheated.

"Refs handed UNC a win lol," one user commented.

"Sir I am agreeing with you," another replied.

"Refs have money on North Carolina," another said.

Here are more fan reactions:

"Tarheels are so poverty this year 😂 they only won from some terrible ref calls and constant and ones that didn’t exist," one said.

"UNC and....the refs desire to get to the free throw line was the key to the game. So many soft and 1's. 34-15...free throw difference," another said.

"REFS JUST MAKING UP CALLS ON THE FLYERS LMAOOO," another added.

RJ Davis and Seth Trimble power UNC's narrow win vs Dayton

RJ Davis and Seth Trimble powered 12th-ranked North Carolina to a memorable comeback at the Lahaina Civic Center. The win marked the second-largest comeback in Tar Heel history, tying a 21-point rally against Florida State on Jan. 27, 1993, in Chapel Hill.

Dayton held a 28-4 edge in bench points at halftime. However, the Flyers couldn’t withstand UNC’s relentless 27-of-34 shooting from the free-throw line. Davis, who gave the Tar Heels their first lead, converted 10 of 11 free throws, while Trimble went 10 of 14 from the field.

Davis scored 20 of his 30 points after halftime, including four 3-pointers. He sealed the game with two late free throws, clinching the narrow 92-90 victory.

"I'm really proud of the guys," UNC coach Hubert Davies said (per goheels.com). "Their fight to get back and win the game shows a lot about the character of this team. I'm really happy for them."

The win improved the Tar Heels' record to 36-5 all-time in Hawaii, including 23-4 in the Maui Invitational and 19-3 in Lahaina. North Carolina also improved to 4-1 this season, extending their winning streak to three games.

Next, UNC will face No. 4 Auburn in the semifinals on Tuesday.