All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball: Tar Heels Bounce Back With Top 25 Win in Bahamas

UNC basketball refused to record a second straight Battle 4 Atlantis loss.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball versus Arkansas (Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports)
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Looking to get back on the right track following an 83-81 overtime loss to unranked Villanova in the semifinals at the Battle 4 Atlantis in the Bahamas on Thanksgiving Day, Hubert Davis' third UNC basketball team led most of the first half against No. 20 Arkansas in their consolation matchup on Black Friday.

But Razorback guard Tramon Mark torched the Tar Heels in the first half, to the tune of 20 points on 8-for-8 shooting from the field entering the locker room. Those buckets ignited Arkansas to a 38-35 advantage at the break.

Nevertheless, the Tar Heels prevailed, 87-72.

UNC basketball resiliency was on full display in the second half as Davis' bunch attacked the basket, drew fouls, and made over 70 percent of its free throws for the game (25-for-35).

And UNC buckled down on defense.

Sure, Mark finished with a career-high 34 points. However, he was the only Razorback in double figures until only six minutes remained on the clock in the second half.

Mark fell hard with just over a minute to play and left the court on a stretcher.

Meanwhile, the Tar Heels, who were without full-time starter Cormac Ryan (ankle injury late against Villanova), dominated the glass. They outrebound Arkansas for the contest, 38-27.

Three UNC players tallied over 10 points, and eight Tar Heels had at least five. RJ Davis tied his career-high with 30 points. Harrison Ingram added 13 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals. And Seth Trimble chipped in 12 points and four boards off the bench.

Elliot Cadeau, who replaced Ryan in the staring five for his first career college start, fouled out with a few minutes to play. The freshman floor general had seven points, two rebounds, three assists, and only one turnover across his 26 minutes on the court but was visibly frustrated on the bench after picking up his fifth foul.

The Tar Heels (5-1) must now prepare for an ACC/SEC Challenge showdown against No. 7 Tennessee in Chapel Hill on Wednesday night.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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