"We knew it was going to be ugly": RJ Davis praises UNC’s resilience after stunning comeback victory against UCLA

The North Carolina Tar Heels pulled off an impressive comeback on Saturday night, overcoming a 16-point deficit with the help of RJ Davis to defeat the No. 18-ranked UCLA Bruins, 76-74.

Known for their resilience this season, the Tar Heels once again clawed their way back into contention, this time finishing strong to secure a hard-fought victory.

UNC guard Davis led the charge with 17 points, contributing crucial plays down the stretch. After the game, Davis spoke about the Tar Heels' determination.

“We knew it was going to be ugly coming into the game,” Davis said, adding, “UCLA gave us a really hard game. They’re a really good defensive team, but one thing about us is that we don’t quit."

"We’re a very resilient team. We had players make big-time plays. Shoutout to Ian [Jackson]," he uttered.

“He came in, stayed confident, and stepped up big for us. Our response was key, and that’s what Coach Davis has been preaching all week: how you respond when you get knocked down,” he added.

Davis also acknowledged the personal significance of playing in front of his family and friends in New York:

“Having my friends and family all here gave me extra motivation.”

Freshman Ian Jackson stole the spotlight with a career-best performance, pouring in 24 points and grabbing four rebounds. The highly-touted recruit lived up to his billing, showcasing his scoring ability in a high-pressure environment.

The victory marks a significant boost for UNC, now 7-5 on the season. While their record may seem underwhelming, it doesn’t reflect the close battles they’ve endured against powerhouse programs like Kansas, Michigan State, and Florida.

Saturday’s second-half response against a strong defensive team like UCLA underscores UNC’s potential as they continue to gel.

Coach Hubert Davis praises RJ Davis and the Tar Heels’ grit in victory

RJ Davis and the North Carolina Tar Heels showcased their resilience once again, securing a hard-fought 76-74 win over UCLA at Madison Square Garden.

For coach Hubert Davis, it wasn’t just the final score but the determination the Tar Heels displayed down the stretch that made him proud.

The win highlighted the Tar Heels’ growth and grit, particularly in tight, high-pressure situations. It also underscored their readiness to compete against top-tier opponents, a challenge they’ve faced repeatedly this season.

“I was just really proud of them,” Hubert Davis said postgame.

The Tar Heels’ ability to out-rebound UCLA, one of the nation’s premier offensive rebounding teams, proved pivotal. Winning the battle on the boards not only limited UCLA’s second-chance opportunities but also allowed UNC to control the game’s critical moments.

“For them to be able to get the rebound, for them to be able to get the stop, and to step up in that situation and be able to win, it was huge," Hubert Davis said, adding, "UCLA is a really good offensive rebounding team, and we were able to out-rebound them. I thought that was a huge determining factor for us winning [Saturday].”

For now, UNC can celebrate a hard-earned victory and continue to build on its ability to thrive in close, competitive games. With performances like Saturday’s, the Tar Heels are proving they’re ready for the challenges that lie ahead.