Ian Jackson scored a career-high 27 points, Elliot Cadeau scored North Carolina’s last six points in the final 22 seconds, and the Tar Heels edged Notre Dame 74-73 in a game that will be remembered for its electrifying finish.
Cadeau hit a driving layup to get North Carolina within 71-70 with just over 20 seconds left, and after Notre Dame pushed the lead back to 73-70, Cadeau struck again, this time with a clutch layup to make it 73-72 with only 10 seconds remaining.
In the ensuing possession, the Tar Heels managed to force a turnover, and with the ball back in Cadeau's hands, he drove to the free throw line, drawing a foul with just 1.3 seconds left on the clock. With ice in his veins, Cadeau sank both free throws to seal the come-from-behind victory for North Carolina.
Jackson's impressive scoring display was instrumental in keeping the Tar Heels in the game, as Notre Dame threatened to pull away on multiple occasions. The sophomore guard shot an impressive 10-16 from the field and 3-5 from three-point range, showcasing his ability to score from both inside and outside the arc.
The victory marked a significant win for North Carolina, which had struggled with inconsistency throughout the season. The Tar Heels' ability to close out the game in such dramatic fashion will undoubtedly provide a much-needed boost of confidence as they look to make a push in the conference standings.
For Notre Dame, the loss will be a tough pill to swallow, as the Fighting Irish had controlled the pace of the game for much of the contest. Despite the setback, Notre Dame will look to regroup and refocus as they navigate the remainder of their schedule.
The thrilling conclusion to the game will be remembered for quite some time, and the play of Cadeau and Jackson will be at the forefront of the conversation. As the season heats up, the Tar Heels will look to build on this momentum and make a strong push towards the postseason.