As the University of North Carolina (UNC) basketball team prepares for an exciting journey to Hawaii, head coach Hubert Davis shared insights about the highly anticipated Maui Invitational that awaits them.
Beginning their Hawaiian expedition with a convincing 87-69 victory over the Rainbow Warriors, the 10th-ranked Tar Heels are eager yet apprehensive about the challenges that lie ahead in the competitive Maui Invitational.
During the first half of the match against Hawaii, UNC faced significant hurdles, allowing a concerning tally of 10 offensive rebounds and conceding 12 second-chance points—marking their highest allowance in any game this season.
Hawaii’s performance underscored their dominance on the boards, where they out-rebounded UNC by nine in the first half and managed to outscore them in the paint 20-18, successfully executing eight layups. Ultimately, the Rainbow Warriors emerged victorious in the rebounding battle with a final count of 40-27, also securing a 14-5 lead in second-chance points after gathering 15 offensive boards.
It’s vital for the Tar Heels to refine their gameplay in these areas ahead of facing a formidable Maui Invitational field that prominently features three top-five teams, including the two-time reigning national champion, UConn, who currently boasts a record of 4-0.
Here are additional takeaways from UNC’s successful outing in Hawaii.
UNC basketball’s RJ Davis shakes shooting struggles vs Hawaii
After commencing his fifth season with an underwhelming shooting performance, where he managed only 31.9% from the field and a mere 20% from beyond the arc, UNC guard RJ Davis found his rhythm against Hawaii. He turned things around with an efficient display, netting 18 points on 6-of-14 shooting, while also contributing four assists and three rebounds. Maintaining this level of performance will be crucial as the Tar Heels gear up to face a challenging lineup in Maui.
Elliot Cadeau, Seth Trimble assists and steals rev up Tar Heels
Elliot Cadeau and Seth Trimble, pivotal members of Davis’ backcourt, bolstered the team’s momentum by sparking fast breaks with their relentless activity on defense. In their matchup against Hawaii, UNC showcased their quick transition game, racking up a total of 19 fast-break points, complemented by eight steals and 16 assists. Cadeau shone with 17 points, four assists, and two steals, while Trimble also made his mark with 13 points, four assists, three rebounds, and two steals.
UNC remains elite at getting to free-throw line
Building on their impressive free-throw performance from the season opener against Elon, where they went 13-of-16, UNC has systematically intensified their focus on attacking the paint for more chances at the charity stripe. The Tar Heels have consistently attempted at least 30 free throws in each of their last three games, converting no fewer than 24 attempts every time. Against the Rainbow Warriors, UNC excelled, finishing 26-for-34 from the line. Nine different Tar Heels stepped up to the line during the game, with Trimble leading the way by sinking six of his seven attempts. Notably, Ian Jackson contributed significantly to his 11-point tally, scoring six points from the free-throw line.
Rodd Baxley covers Duke, North Carolina and N.C. State for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding those teams? Send them to [email protected].
How does Coach Hubert Davis plan to build RJ Davis’s confidence as the team faces tougher matchups in the upcoming season?
**Interview with UNC Basketball Head Coach Hubert Davis**
**Interviewer:** Coach Davis, congratulations on the recent win against Hawaii! Can you share your thoughts on how the team performed in this game?
**Hubert Davis:** Thank you! It was a strong start for us in Hawaii, and I’m proud of how the team bounced back in the second half to secure a comfortable 87-69 victory. We did face some challenges, particularly in the first half, where we struggled with rebounding. Our focus has to be on tightening up our defense and limiting second-chance points in the upcoming games.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of challenges, Hawaii really pushed you on the boards, out-rebounding your team 40-27 overall. What adjustments do you think are necessary moving forward, especially with the Maui Invitational on the horizon?
**Hubert Davis:** Absolutely, the rebounding numbers were concerning. We allowed 10 offensive rebounds in the first half, which contributed to their second-chance points. For us to perform well against the teams we’re going to face in the Maui Invitational, we need to box out better and secure those defensive boards. It’s a fundamental part of the game that we can’t overlook.
**Interviewer:** After a rocky start to the season, RJ Davis seemed to find his rhythm against Hawaii, scoring 18 points and distributing four assists. How significant is it for him to regain his confidence ahead of tougher matchups?
**Hubert Davis:** RJ’s performance was huge for us. It’s vital for our success to have our players, especially key scorers like him, play at their best. His ability to maintain a high level of execution will be critical as we face top-ranked programs in the Invitational. I’m confident that he can build on this momentum.
**Interviewer:** The Maui Invitational will have tough competition, including UConn. How is the team preparing mentally and physically for such high-stakes games?
**Hubert Davis:** We’re taking a balanced approach. Mentally, we’re analyzing our past games and understanding the areas we need to improve. Physically, we’re ensuring our players are in peak condition and ready to adapt. Facing three top-five teams is no small task, but I believe our preparation will set us up for success.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Coach Davis, for your insights. Best of luck in the upcoming games!
**Hubert Davis:** Thank you! We appreciate the support. Go Tar Heels!