The North Carolina Tar Heels stunned the San Diego State Aztecs with a jaw-dropping 95-68 triumph in an extraordinarily decisive NCAA First Four game. Their performance served as a reminder of the unvarnished force and unpredictability March Madness brings, particularly in a squad with something to prove. And show it they did—silencing detractors who questioned their tournament inclusion with an offensively outstanding performance. The outstanding individual efforts of the Tar Heels—most notably from RJ Davis, whose flawless shooting from beyond the arc set the tone for the game— drove their supremacy.
North Carolina’s confidence, especially following much discussion regarding their NCAA Tournament participation, was what made their triumph extra remarkable. The Tar Heels came into the game fully intending to show their value. It was about more than just their points; it was about proving they could rule a squad renowned for its outstanding defense. They accomplished just that as well. From the tip-off, UNC moved the ball randomly and seized every defensive breakdown by SDSU with a concerted concentration. Clearly the Tar Heels were on a mission with a sweltering 61% shooting in the first half.
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RJ Davis proved to be an unstoppable force with his amazing 26 points and unheard-of 6-of-6 from the 3-point line. His performance was more than simply statistically outstanding; it reflected a team carrying a chip on its shoulder. As Coach Hubert Davis said, the team’s preparation and attitude propelled their triumph rather than outside noise. Remarkably, the shooting accuracy from beyond the arc (58.3%) was only part of the story—UNC’s defensive effectiveness hindered SDSU from ever reaching any rhythm, a tribute to the balance of the team.
Player Stats – North Carolina Tar Heels vs. San Diego State Aztecs (March 18, 2025
| Player | Points | Assists | Rebounds | 3-Pointers Made | Field Goals Made |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RJ Davis (UNC) | 26 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 10 |
| Seth Trimble (UNC) | 16 | 2 | 5 | 2 | 6 |
| Ven-Allen Lubin (UNC) | 12 | 1 | 7 | 0 | 5 |
| Nick Boyd (SDSU) | 12 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 4 |
| Wayne McKinney III (SDSU) | 12 | 3 | 2 | 2 | 5 |
San Diego State had no answers for the Tar Heels’ offensive assault even if their defense was historically strong. Ranked among the top in the nation for field-goal percentage defense, the Aztecs were just overpowered by the Tar Heels’ superior court-wide shooting ability. Coach Brian Dutcher of SDSU admitted that that evening there was nowhere to find his team’s normal defensive brilliance. SDSU’s season-high in points allowed resulted from just how remarkable the Tar Heels’ attack was.
Still, the Tar Heels were unique in their general team cohesiveness even if the points were a big conversation topic. Every athlete seemed to be in time, and defensive hustling reflected the offensive effort. This was a well-rounded, professionally done team performance, not only of one individual star shining. With 16 points and important assists, players like Seth Trimble complemented Davis’ explosive performance, further enhancing the significance of the victory.
The Bigger Picture: What’s Next for North Carolina?
This outstanding victory is a statement about the Tar Heels’ will and their preparedness to make a long run in the NCAA Tournament, not only about one game. Their next game, which will surely be another test, will be against Mississippi, a No. 6 seed after their win. But given their performance against SDSU, North Carolina is more than suited for managing whatever comes next.
Given the tournament, this triumph is noteworthy. It not only calmed skeptics but also confirmed that the Tar Heels possess the depth, firepower, and defensive might required for top level competition. Although it’s a team effort, when individual players like RJ Davis come up in such a commanding manner, it simply helps to strengthen the team’s whole identity.
North Carolina can use this performance as a mirror of their potential as they get ready for their next test. They are a force to be reckoned with, not merely another team in the bracket—as they have shown. They will try to capitalize on this momentum going ahead, sure that their capacity to score and defend will always set them apart.
For further updates on the game and upcoming matchups, check out the full coverage on ESPN’s Official Game Summary.
Key Highlights from the Game:
- RJ Davis’s Record-Setting Performance: Hitting 6-of-6 from beyond the arc, matching a UNC NCAA Tournament record.
- Unstoppable Offense: UNC shot 52.6% from the field and 58.3% from 3-point range.
- Defense Wins the Day: Even when SDSU attempted to rally in the second half, UNC’s defense held firm.
- Team Cohesion: Contributions from multiple players, including Trimble and Lubin, showcased the depth and unity of the squad.
Now positioned for a deep tournament run, the Tar Heels are remarkably flexible in both their offense and defense. This is only the beginning; every game shapes a team and they will always change. The thrill for what is to come is just intensifying.