Home / Sports / VCU Stuns UNC: 19-Point Collapse in NCAA Upset
VCU Stuns UNC: 19-Point Collapse in NCAA Upset
20 Mar
Summary
- VCU erased a 19-point deficit to defeat North Carolina in overtime.
- North Carolina's collapse was the largest in the NCAA tournament since 2018.
- Coach Hubert Davis cited team fatigue as a factor in the loss.
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) completed a stunning 19-point comeback to defeat North Carolina in overtime, securing an 82-78 victory. The Rams' rally began late in regulation, fueled by back-to-back three-pointers from Lazar Djokovic, who was notably engaged in a back-and-forth with UNC's Henri Veesaar throughout the game.
The Tar Heels' offensive struggles were stark, marked by a 7-of-25 shooting performance after building their substantial lead. Missed free throws, including three in overtime, compounded their difficulties. This dramatic collapse registered as the largest in the NCAA tournament since 2018 and tied for the biggest Round of 64 collapse since 1985.
UNC's head coach, Hubert Davis, expressed confusion about the team's late-game struggles, attributing some of the issues to fatigue while defending his decision to use a short, six-man rotation. The loss signifies North Carolina's second consecutive early exit from the NCAA tournament.
Despite the critical outcome, Davis focused on his enjoyment of coaching the team rather than immediate concerns about significant program changes. The team's inability to advance further left the coach and players with disappointment.
