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UNC Basketball Product Dusts Defenders for Game-Winning Bucket

The Magic once again benefited from the clutch hand of former UNC basketball one-and-done Cole Anthony.

Matt Giles

Former UNC basketball guard Cole Anthony
Former UNC basketball guard Cole Anthony / Mike Watters-Imagn Images
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Eight days after fueling an unbelievable home win over the Miami Heat after trailing by 22 points entering the fourth quarter, 2019-20 UNC basketball backcourt sensation Cole Anthony delivered another doozy in crunch time for the Orlando Magic (20-14) to secure a 102-101 victory over the visiting Brooklyn Nets (12-20) on Sunday.

ALSO READ: UNC Gem RJ Davis Sets New All-Time Program Record

Catching the inbounds on the run with 6.2 ticks left in the game, the 24-year-old Anthony swerved around and past three Brooklyn defenders to find an angle for a shot four feet from the basket. His cool, calm, collected banked-in running floater capped off a 22-4 run to give the Magic the lead with one second remaining on the clock.

And it proved to be the decisive score.

Cole Anthony, a former No. 15 overall draft pick now averaging 6.2 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 2.3 assists in his fifth season with the Orlando Magic, finished with 10 points, three rebounds, three assists, and zero turnovers in his 17 minutes off the bench against the Nets. He shot 3-for-11 from the field, 2-for-6 from deep, and 2-for-2 at the charity stripe.

As for the Nets' pair of NBA Tar Heels, starting forward Cam Johnson and reserve big man Day'Ron Sharpe combined for 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, four steals, and two blocks in the loss.

ALSO READ: UNC Junior Guard Seth Trimble Now Sidelined With Injury

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball news.

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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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