CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – North Carolina snapped a 10-game losing streak to AP-ranked opponents with a rousing second-half performance on Saturday, rallying from a 16-point deficit to upset No. 11 Florida State, 78-70, for its biggest win of the season.
If the Tar Heels (15-8, 9-5 ACC) were at their worst in the first half, committing 14 turnovers and shooting 25%, then they were certainly at their best after halftime. UNC outscored the Seminoles, 30-11, to open the second half and build its largest lead at 59-52. The Tar Heels forced 12 turnovers and held the ACC’s top team to 35.0% in the second half to conclude a roller coaster of a week and all but seal their NCAA Tournament invitation.
FSU cut its deficit to 61-59 with 5:03 to play, but Kerwin Walton answered with a 3-pointer five seconds later and the Tar Heels made all of their free throws down the stretch to secure the victory. UNC shot 27-of-30 from the charity stripe, including a 14-of-14 effort in the second half.
The Tar Heels shot 50% after halftime and 38.3% for the game (21.7% 3FG), while holding the Seminoles to 38.8% (29.4% 3FG).
The Tar Heels trailed 41-29 at halftime, making this comeback the fifth-largest halftime deficit overcome in a win in Smith Center history. It was the largest halftime comeback at home for UNC since rallying from a 13-point deficit to Georgia Tech on Feb. 15, 2006.
Kessler Breakthrough
UNC’s revival late in the first half coincided with Walker Kessler’s insertion into the lineup. The freshman 7-footer was the best player on the floor from that point forward as he set career highs with 20 points on 9-of-10 shooting, eight rebounds and four blocked shots.
His play was a significant development given that forwards Garrison Brooks, Armando Bacot and Day’Ron Sharpe combined for 13 points on 3-of-7 shooting.
No. 900 for Roy Williams
The Hall of Fame head coach won his 900th career game in his 500th career home game on Saturday. Williams is 900-260 in 33 seasons as a head coach and is now two wins shy of tying Bobby Knight for third place on the all-time wins list. He won 900 games faster than any of the three coaches that have reached that benchmark.
The 18th-year UNC head coach improved to 443-57 all-time at home, including a 242-41 mark in Chapel Hill.
Turnover Reversal
UNC’s 14 turnovers before halftime represent the most turnovers in a half this season (13 vs Stanford, 2H) and match the most since committing 15 in the first half at Georgia Tech on Feb. 16, 2010. FSU scored 19 points off those turnovers in building a 41-29 halftime lead.
It was the Seminoles’ turn in the second half, however. FSU had more turnovers (12) than made field goals (11) after halftime, which set up UNC’s strong close.
For the game, UNC scored 15 points off 17 FSU turnovers. The Seminoles scored 25 points off 21 UNC turnovers.
Highlight Play
?? dunks are good shots pic.twitter.com/UQ2JRgLukc
— Dadgum Box Scores (@dadgumboxscores) February 27, 2021
Fans Return
North Carolina Executive Order 195 allowed for a limited return of fans this weekend as indoor arenas with at least 5,000 seats would be permitted 15 percent capacity. That was equivalent to roughly 3,200 fans at the Dean E. Smith Center. With 75% of that total coming from the student lottery system, the Tar Heels had a true home court advantage for the first time this season.
Up Next
UNC returns to the road after a four-game home stand with a trip to Syracuse on Monday (7 p.m./ESPN). The Orange have lost two in a row to drop to 13-8 (7-7 ACC) entering the final week of the regular season.
