UNC obliterates San Diego State's top defense in NCAA Tournament game

The North Carolina Tar Heels fell behind 2-0 in the First Four game against San Diego State in Dayton on Tuesday night. But after that, they never really looked back in the game.

Thanks to a scorching-hot performance shooting from the field.

The Tar Heels tore the Aztecs' top-ranked defense to shreds, dominating 95-68 on a night where they shot 52.6 percent (30-of-57) as a team. UNC (23-13, 13-7) was even more unconscious from the perimeter, shooting 58.3% and making 14-of-24 3-pointers.

Just how good was the San Diego State (21-10, 14-6 Mountain West) defense entering Tuesday? The Aztecs held opponents to a Division I-best 37.8 field goal percentage, plus their defense ranked 14th in the country with 63.6 opponent points per game.

SDSU hadn't allowed 80 points in a game this season since November 18, 2024 against Gonzaga. North Carolina's 95 points were the most SDSU allowed since 2006.

San Diego State, the number 1 defense across D1 in field goal percentage allowed this season; gave up 95 points to UNC

It's the 1st time SDSU allowed 95+ points in a non-overtime game since 2006

North Carolina proved why they're in the bracket with tonight's performance
— Dalton Feely (@dfeely14) March 19, 2025

It wouldn't be a magical postseason game for the Tar Heels without RJ Davis, who anchored his team with 26 points. RJ shot 8-of-12 from the field, drained all six three point attempts to match a UNC NCAA Tournament record, plus he made 4-of-5 free throws.

RJ Davis' 6 3-point FG match the single-game NCAA Tournament record for a North Carolina player.

Shammond Williams, Marcus Paige and Caleb Love (x2) also made 6.
— Bryan Ives (@awaytoworthy) March 19, 2025

Seth Trimble provided North Carolina a massive boost off the bench once again, this time by scoring 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting – and draining all six free throw attempts. Ven-Allen Lubin scored 12 points, reaching double-digits for the 10th-straight game, while Jae'Lyn Withers more than made up for his gut-wrenching lane violation with a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double.

Next up for the Tar Heels is a loaded Ole Miss squad Friday, March 21 at 4:05 p.m. in the Round of 64. The Rebels (22-11, 10-8) allow opponents to score 71.7 points per game and shoot 43.2% from the field.

Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.

This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball looked impressive against top-ranked SDSU defense

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