BLACKSBURG, Va. (AP) — Justyn Mutts scored 27 issues to steer Virginia Tech to an 80-72 victory over No. 18 North Carolina on Sunday.
Mutts scored 21 of his issues in the second one 1/2 for the Hokies (8-1, 1-0 Atlantic Coast Convention), who constructed an 18-point, second-half lead after which hung on handy the slumping Tar Heels (5-4, 0-1) their fourth consecutive defeat.
North Carolina minimize that result in 67-64 on a layup by means of Caleb Love with 3:06 closing, however Mutts replied with a basket 17 seconds later, and the Tar Heels were given no nearer.
“When it did get to 3, we sat down and did the issues that we’re meant to do,” Virginia Tech trainer Mike Younger stated. “(There used to be) a degree of toughness and a degree of get to the bottom of when the warmth’s on a bit of bit, they usually withstood it. They did a pleasing task with it.
“We would have liked nowadays. We would have liked the Tar Heels, anyone of that ilk to play. That heightened sense of consciousness and embracing the grit and the grind that is going along side successful video games of this nature. It used to be a excellent day for the Hokies.”
The Related Press’ preseason No. 1 crew, North Carolina performed with out middle Armando Bacot, who neglected the sport with a bruised shoulder. The ACC’s preseason participant of the 12 months had began 107 of 108 video games in his occupation and used to be averaging 16.1 issues and a team-best 11.1 rebounds.
Virginia Tech, and particularly, Mutts, took good thing about Bacot’s absence. Mutts attached on 12 of 16 from the ground, and he additionally grabbed 11 rebounds. In the back of Mutts, the Hokies shot 50.8% (31of 61) from the ground.
“It’s simply my teammates and my coaches striking such a lot consider in me, simply such a lot religion in me,” Mutts stated. “Numerous it’s the play calls which can be happening, after which inside other flows of the sport … simply with the best way our offense runs, there are particular openings that I used to be ready to take that in reality benefitted me.”
Caleb Love, Pete Nance, and RJ Davis every scored 18 for North Carolina.
“I advised the blokes that I’m dissatisfied, however I’m now not discouraged,” North Carolina trainer Hubert Davis stated. “Disenchanted with the end result, however I used to be in reality pleased with the battle the ultimate quarter-hour of the second one 1/2. … I advised them additionally that I’m now not panicked. I’m now not any of that. It is a excellent basketball crew, and I’m satisfied that we’re going to be a perfect basketball crew by means of the tip of the season.”
TAKEAWAYS
North Carolina: The Tar Heels have proven a loss of toughness inside past due. Indiana and Alabama scored 50 and 40 issues within the paint, respectively, after which North Carolina allowed 42 issues within the paint to the Hokies.
Virginia Tech: The protecting ACC champions performed their ideally suited sport of the season and seem to be meshing as a crew. They now have received 3 immediately following a loss to the Faculty of Charleston on Nov. 20.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Regardless that all 4 losses in all over this skid had been both at impartial websites or at the street, North Carolina most likely will drop out of the highest 25 when the up to date ballot is launched Monday.
UP NEXT
North Carolina: The Tar Heels play at house Saturday in opposition to Georgia Tech.
Virginia Tech: The Hokies play at house in opposition to Dayton on Wednesday.
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AP university basketball: https://apnews.com/hub/college-basketball and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-basketball-poll and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25
