"Savage", "Win with class but I guess not": Fans debate heated exchange between UNC and NC State players after Tar Heels steal clutch win vs Wolfpack

Things got heated between North Carolina and NC State in the closing stages of the Tar Heels' 63-61 win over the Wolfpack at Lenovo Center on Saturday. Jalen Washington taunted the NC State bench after he denied the Wolfpack's bid to send the game into overtime in their final possession.

Washington blocked Jayden Taylor's layup attempt with 3.0 seconds left to preserve North Carolina's two-point lead. The ball found its way to Washington, who held it as time expired. He looked at the NC State bench after the win was secured, taunting them with a hand gesture as RJ Davis celebrated with him.

College hoops fans took to X (formerly Twitter) to react to Washington's behavior after the final buzzer sounded.

"Savage," one fan claimed.

"Win with class but I guess not," one fan replied.

"Now that was not very nice Mr. Man. See you in Chapel Hill," one fan posted.

Here are some other reactions:

"Nothing I love more than salty State players," one fan shared.

"Thought it wasn’t a rivalry tho?" one fan asked.

"Unpopular opinion amongst fellow Tar Heels I’m sure but just walk off the court. Victory says all you need to say," one fan tweeted.

Jalen Washington leads UNC Tar Heels to third straight win with clutch plays in final minute

Jalen Washington starred for North Carolina in the win over NC State, with his clutch plays on both ends of the floor in the final minute of regulation securing the victory for the Tar Heels. Washington restored North Carolina's advantage with 24 seconds remaining, throwing down a dunk to give the Tar Heels a 63-61 lead.

North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jalen Washington (#13) goes up over North Carolina State Wolfpack forward Ismael Diouf (#33) during their game on January 11, 2025 at the Lenovo Center in Raleigh, NC. Photo: Getty

Momentum was with NC State before that play with the Wolfpack in the midst of a 14-5 run to tie the game at 61. NC State had an opportunity to force extra minutes but the Wolfpack's upset bid was thwarted by Washington, who recorded his third and final block in the closing seconds.

Washington finished the game with 11 points and 12 rebounds to record his first double-double of the season. Two other players scored in double figures for the Tar Heels, who improved their overall record to 11-6. Ian Jackson led North Carolina in scoring with 21 points while RJ Davis added 11 points.