No. 11 VCU storms back from 19 down to stun No. 6 North Carolina in OT
No. 6 North Carolina led 70-56 and appeared to be cruising to victory against No. 11 VCU on Thursday.
VCU had other ideas. The Rams reeled off 12 straight points and stormed back in the final 7:11 of regulation to force overtime and stun the Tar Heels, 82-78. The Rams advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament.
North Carolina’s season, meanwhile, comes to a disappointing end. UNC was in control for much of Thursday’s game and led by as many a 19 points a 56-37.. But anchored by aggressive defense, a deep bench and improved second-half shooting, the Rams took control of the game down the stretch.
Poor execution from the Tar Heels helped the VCU cause. UNC scored just 5 points in the final 7:11 of regulation and didn’t score in overtime until a Seth Trimble free throw with 2:02 remaining. It didn’t hit a field goal in the extra session.
It added up to a dramatic collapse that will leave a bitter taste at the end of North Carolina’s season.