UNC Collapses: Hubert Davis on Hot Seat After Upset Loss

UNC Collapses in Upset Loss, Hubert Davis’ Future in Doubt

CHAPEL HILL, NC – The unthinkable happened. North Carolina, a team that held a commanding 19-point lead in the second half, crumbled against VCU, ultimately losing in a stunning upset. This devastating collapse has put head coach Hubert Davis’ job under intense scrutiny, with many questioning if his tenure in Chapel Hill is nearing its end.

Defensive Woes Plague Tar Heels

The postgame press conference was somber. While wins are always credited to the players, losses often fall on the coaches. For North Carolina this season, defensive struggles have been a recurring nightmare. They allowed a staggering 47 points in the second half against VCU, frequently getting beaten off the dribble. This inability to get crucial stops has been a consistent problem throughout the year.

The reality of it is Caleb Wilson was not healthy. They were a six seed and they just lost in the first round with some bad execution down the stretch.

The absence of key player Caleb Wilson due to injury was a factor, but the team’s inability to close out a game they controlled is what raises the most concern. Even basic execution faltered, including a critical 5-second violation late in the game. This was a game North Carolina should have won, a simple step into the next round of the tournament.

Is Davis Trending the Wrong Way?

The question on many minds in Chapel Hill is whether the program is moving in the right direction under Hubert Davis. His first year saw a trip to the NCAA finals, but that was largely with players recruited by his predecessor, Roy Williams. The last two seasons, however, have ended with disappointing first-round exits from the NCAA Tournament. This trend suggests a downward trajectory that the university must address.

The comparison to Roy Williams is stark. Williams only failed to get out of the Round of 64 once in his entire career. Davis has now done it in back-to-back years. This pattern is a serious red flag for the Tar Heels’ program.

Duke Survives Scare Against Siena

Meanwhile, Duke also faced challenges, needing to fight hard to avoid an upset against Siena. While they advanced, the close call has raised questions about their readiness for tougher opponents. The East region is considered the most difficult in the tournament, and Duke’s struggles against Siena, where they couldn’t stop the opponent off the bounce in the first half, highlight potential weaknesses.

Coach Jon Scheyer’s adjustment to a 2-3 zone in the second half helped, forcing Siena into more difficult three-point attempts as their five-man rotation wore down. However, Duke’s own inconsistent shooting, particularly from three-point range (19% against Siena compared to Caleb Foster’s usual 40%), is a major concern, especially with key players like Patrick Ngongba out.

AJ Griffin Shining Amidst Loaded Draft Class

In other college basketball news, AJ Griffin continues to make his case as the top overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft. He broke Kevin Durant’s Big 12 tournament scoring record, earned First Team All-American honors, and led the nation in scoring. His ability to score over 20 points in 14 straight games is remarkable.

Griffin isn’t the only talent. The 2024 draft class is considered one of the strongest in years, potentially rivaling the famed 2003 draft. Players like Darius Acuff, Devin Carter, and Cam Boozer are also highly touted. However, Griffin’s consistent performance, ability to draw fouls, and potential in the NBA’s open spaces seem to set him apart for many scouts and general managers.

Texas Edges Gonzaga, High Point’s Unlikely Hero

Texas managed to secure a victory against Gonzaga, a team that didn’t look particularly strong in their previous outing. The game opened with Gonzaga as a 7-point favorite, but money poured in on Texas, dropping the line to 5.5. Texas’s strong defense in the paint and their advantage at the free-throw line were key factors.

A truly wild moment occurred when Texas’s Chase unlikely, who hadn’t made a two-point field goal all season, hit the game-winning bucket. His shocked reaction on the court perfectly captured the improbable nature of the shot and his incredible season, where his team has won 22 of their last 23 games.

Betting Angles and Upset Alerts

Looking ahead, analysts are eyeing potential upsets and betting opportunities. Santa Clara is seen as a strong pick to cover the spread against Kentucky, with Kentucky being somewhat overvalued despite their historical success. Akan is also favored to cover against a hobbled Texas Tech team missing key player JT Tophin. Northern Iowa is another potential upset pick against St. John’s, especially if the game stays low-scoring, given the low over/under set for the contest.

The injuries to Texas Tech’s JT Tophin (ACL) and Christian Anderson (groin) are significant. Akran, with their ability to shoot threes and play fast, is well-positioned to capitalize on these absences. The NCAA tournament continues to deliver drama, with upsets and close calls reminding everyone that no lead is safe and every game is a battle.

Source: If Caleb Wilson plays, does UNC BEAT VCU?! 👀 + Hubert Davis' future at North Carolina | Get Up (YouTube)