Another game, another excruciating loss for the UNC men’s basketball team, as the Tar Heels blew a 15-point second half lead before allowing Notre Dame to win 77-76 in South Bend after a three-pointer by Nate Laszewski with just two seconds remaining.

The shot by Laszewski came from the left wing after Notre Dame (16-10, 7-8 ACC) got its own rebound on a missed attempt from close range by forward John Mooney, handing the Tar Heels their sixth consecutive loss—four of which have come down to the final play.

Much like earlier losses against Clemson and Duke, the Tar Heels (10-16, 3-12 ACC) were unable to hang on down the stretch despite building a commanding lead.

Monday saw UNC build a 15-point lead with just over eight minutes remaining, and it appeared the Tar Heels had all the momentum necessary to earn their second win over the Fighting Irish this season. Freshman point guard Cole Anthony had 17 of his game-high 23 points in the second half as he attempted to single-handedly carry the team to a win much like he did against Notre Dame the first time around.

The Tar Heels also received 22 points and seven rebounds from junior forward Garrison Brooks, but were still somehow unable to fight off the inevitable comeback.

Head coach Roy Williams has struggled to find words to describe his team’s situation as of late, and Monday night was no different.

“They made a huge shot,” a dejected Williams told reporters afterwards. “It doesn’t feel good for us. It doesn’t feel good at all.”

There’s no question that this UNC team is refusing to give up or throw in the towel as the season approaches its final games. The Tar Heels aren’t getting blown out—with the exception of the game at Wake Forest—and have provided a stiff challenge for many of their opponents in recent weeks.

There’s also no question, however, that this team has had to deal with some rotten luck—whether it be in the form of late-game heroics by opponents or the constant issues with injuries.

Missed free throws have haunted the Tar Heels on numerous occasions for sure, but they made 12 of their 14 attempts against Notre Dame.

The inability to get a defensive stop over the final eight minutes and change is ultimately what did UNC in on Monday, as Notre Dame scored a whopping 28 points during that span—a pace that would have the Fighting Irish well over 100 if it were maintained throughout a full game.

With only five games left in the regular season—and slim to no chances of being able to win five games in five days at the ACC Tournament—it’s clear that UNC has nothing to play for at this point except pride.

“You’ve got two choices,” Williams said. “You can compete your butt off or you can get up in the fetal position and curl up and start crying. We’re gonna frickin’ compete. That’s what we’re gonna do. We play Saturday.

“You can feel sorry for yourself,” the coach added. “But you feel sorry for yourself and you’re gonna do that for the rest of your frickin’ life.”

Up Next:

The Tar Heels have a tough road game this Saturday, as they travel to face No. 11 Louisville. Tip-off for that game is set for 4 p.m.

Game Notes:

  • The Tar Heels began the month of December with four straight losses, started January with five straight losses and have now started February with six straight losses.
  • Former UNC point guard–and current Chicago Bulls rookie–Coby White was in attendance.
  • Garrison Brooks has scored at least 20 points in a game five times in his career, all of which have come this season.

 

 

FINAL BOX SCORE

 

Cover photo via Associated Press

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