The North Carolina Tar Heels just completed the second-greatest comeback in program history, capping a big day at the Maui Invitational Tournament Monday evening/Tuesday morning.
After North Carolina fell behind by double digits in the first half, Dayton extended the lead to 21 with just over 17 minutes left. But the Tar Heels came back strong and scored 57 points in the second half to knock out the Flyers 92-90 and advance to the semifinals of the Maui Invitational on Tuesday.
And the Tar Heels did it on the backs of RJ Davis and Seth Trimble.
The duo combined to score 57 of North Carolina’s 92 points, with Davis leading the way with 30 and Trimble adding 27. Both clutch shots hit late in the game to help UNC get back in it and to also achieve it on the free throw line. . It was a special performance for the duo, and UNC backcourt Elliot Cadeau also scored 10 points despite being in foul trouble for most of the game.
From the start, Dayton showed it wanted to play physical and hit North Carolina right in the mouth. UNC had no answer to Dayton’s hot shooting in the first half as they took the lead.
The Flyers took a 51-33 lead before the break, but the second half was immediately different for UNC.
The Tar Heels showed fight and although they missed two layups in a row, they were stopped. Then Davis and Trimble took over.
A mini 8-2 run gave UNC some life and kept them within striking distance. After receiving a large bucket, Dayton responded with one of their own. The Flyers held an 84-80 lead with 2:50 left after a three-point basket by Amael L’Etang.
The Tar Heels rallied and took an 88-87 lead on a three-pointer from Drake Powell. Davis would seal the game with four free throws in the final 15 seconds and UNC would hold off the Flyers after Nate Santos’ foot was on the line with six seconds remaining.
North Carolina now advances to face #4 Auburn Tuesday night as Dayton faces No. 5 Iowa State.
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This article was originally published on Tar Heels Wire: UNC storms back from 21 points down to beat Dayton
