The game became uncomfortably close in the second half, but RJ Davis guided the Tar Heels to their first win of the 2024-2025 season.
Hubert Davis and the UNC basketball program faced a significant challenge on opening night but managed to secure their first victory of the 2024-2025 season by defeating Elon.
Elon put up a determined fight in what seemed like a game North Carolina would dominate. The Phoenix fought back in the second half, not only tying the game but briefly taking the lead. That’s when RJ Davis rose to the occasion, as he has done many times before.
After struggling with a scoring drought, North Carolina finished the game strong. Davis and the Tar Heels outscored Elon 21-5 in the final 6:35.
The fifth-year graduate student contributed significantly, scoring 17 of his game-high 24 points in the second half, helping the Tar Heels reclaim the lead for good. He also came close to a triple-double, finishing with seven rebounds and seven assists in 33 minutes.
The athleticism and speed of North Carolina were on full display, and it was encouraging to see a variety of players get involved early on. Elliot Cadeau efficiently led the offense, ending the night with 17 points and eight assists. Seth Trimble achieved a career-high with 15 points, while Jae’Lyn Withers contributed with a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, including some key three-pointers.
Although the performance wasn’t flawless, this win will provide valuable insights for the UNC basketball program as the 2024-2025 season kicks off. They will have time to regroup before facing No. 1 ranked Kansas in Lawrence on Friday night.
