No. 6 North Carolina looked set to beat No. 11 Virginia Commonwealth University on Thursday, leading 70-56.
VCU had other ideas. The Rams scored 12 straight points and mounted a comeback in the final 7 minutes and 11 seconds of regulation to send the game into overtime and beat the Tar Heels 82-78. The Rams advanced to the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Meanwhile, North Carolina’s season ended in disappointing fashion.
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UNC was in control for much of Thursday’s game and led by 19 points, 56-37. But with an aggressive defense, a deep bench and improved shooting in the second half, the Rams took control of the game down the stretch. The Tar Heels’ poor execution helped VCU’s cause.
UNC scored just five points in the final 7:11 of regulation and didn’t score in overtime until Seth Trimble’s free throw with 2:02 left. It didn’t hit any shots in overtime. It added up to a dramatic collapse that will leave a bitter taste at the end of North Carolina’s season.
