The North Carolina Tar Heels just completed the second-largest comeback in program history, capping off a big day at the Maui Invitational on Monday night/Tuesday morning.
After North Carolina fell behind by double-digits in the first half, Dayton extended the lead to 21 with just over 17 minutes left to go. But the Tar Heels stormed back and put up 57 second-half points to stun the Flyers 92-90 and advance to the semifinals of the Maui Invitational on Tuesday.
And the Tar Heels did it on the backs of RJ Davis and Seth Trimble.
The duo combined to score 57 of North Carolina’s 92 points with Davis leading the way with 30 and Trimble adding 27. The two hit clutch shots late in the game to help UNC get back into it and got it done at the free throw line as well. It was a special performance for the duo, and UNC’s backcourt as Elliot Cadeau also had 10 points despite being in foul trouble most of the game.
From the start Dayton showed that they wanted to play physical and punched North Carolina right in the mouth. UNC had no answer for Dayton’s hot shooting in the first half as they built the lead.
The Flyers took a 51-33 lead into the break but the second half felt different right away for UNC.
The Tar Heels showed fight and although they missed two layups in a row, they were getting stops. Then Davis and Trimble took over.
A mini 8-2 run gave UNC some life and allowed them to stay within striking distance. After they would get a big bucket, Dayton would answer with one of their own. The Flyers held an 84-80 lead with 2:50 left after an Amael L’Etang three-pointer.
The Tar Heels closed in and took the lead at 88-87 on a Drake Powell three-pointer. Davis would seal the game with four free throws in the final 15 seconds and UNC would hold off the Flyers after Nate Santos’ foot was on the line with six seconds left.
North Carolina now advances to face off against No. 4 Auburn on Tuesday night while Dayton faces No. 5 Iowa State.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire : UNC storms back from 21-points down to beat Dayton
