In one of the 2024 CBS Sports Classic’s marquee matchups, the North Carolina Tar Heels stunned the UCLA Bruins, overcoming a 16-point second-half deficit to secure a 76-74 victory at Madison Square Garden. The game was played on the anniversary of the first basketball game ever in 1891, bringing together two storied college programs and a boisterous crowd in the world’s most famous arena.
The Bruins (10-1) entered the game ranked No. 18 in the AP poll, while the Tar Heels (6-5) were looking for their first ranked win of the season. UCLA came out firing, led by Tyler Bilodeau, who scored the team’s first 11 points, including back-to-back threes and an and-one fadeaway jumper. Bilodeau finished the half with 13 points, while Sebastian Mack provided a spark off the bench, adding 16 points. UCLA’s defense (ranked 5th nationally by points allowed) was on full display, blitzing ball screens and forcing North Carolina into 11 turnovers. However, their physical play also resulted in 12 fouls, which allowed the Tar Heels to stay within striking distance despite their struggles handling the basketball. UNC’s standout freshman Ian Jackson kept the Tar Heels afloat with 13 points off the bench, including three three-pointers. UCLA led 40-32 at the break.
The second half began slower as both teams transitioned into a half-court offense game. UCLA extended its lead to 16 points early in the half, but foul trouble for the Bruins—including key minutes lost from Bilodeau—started to shift the momentum. By the 10-minute mark, four UCLA starters had at least three fouls, forcing head coach Mick Cronin to begin juggling lineups.
The Tar Heels capitalized on UCLA’s foul trouble. RJ Davis, UNC’s 5th-year veteran guard, took control in the closing minutes, scoring 17 points overall and hitting two clutch free throws to give the Tar Heels their first lead since starting the game 2-0. Freshman Ian Jackson continued his strong play from the first half, finishing with 24 points. Seth Trimble ended the night with 12 points despite shooting 2-10 from the field.
UCLA, meanwhile, went cold in the final stretch. The Bruins missed their last eight field goal attempts and failed to score in the final four minutes. They also struggled at the free-throw line, missing eight of their last 17 attempts. Bilodeau finished with a season-high 26 points, and Mack added 22, but the Bruins lacked offensive contributions from their other starters. Eric Dailey Jr., who averages 11.6 points per game, and Dylan Andrews, who averages 9.7 points per game, combined for just four points, struggling mightily to make an impact.
North Carolina desperately needed a statement win after losing to ranked teams Kansas, Auburn, Michigan State, Florida and Alabama earlier this season, and they earned it. The Tar Heels improved to 7-5 and gained valuable momentum heading into ACC play.
Now 10-2, UCLA will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for a Dec. 28 showdown with No. 13 Gonzaga at the Intuit Dome. The Bruins’ ability to address their foul trouble and late-game execution will be critical in the next matchup.
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Featured Image Photographed by Michael Gallagher/Daily Bruin
