UNC Basketball’s Cormac Ryan Leads Tar Heels to Victory at Duke, Clinches ACC Title
In a thrilling showdown at Cameron Indoor Stadium, UNC basketball’s Cormac Ryan delivered a performance for the ages, leading the Tar Heels to an 84-79 victory over the Duke Blue Devils. With this win, UNC secured the ACC regular-season championship, marking their record-breaking 17th title in the league.
Ryan, in his first game at Duke as a UNC player and his final game at Cameron Indoor Stadium, showcased his fiery spirit and joined the ranks of legendary UNC players such as Lennie Rosenbluth and Michael Jordan. The atmosphere was electric, with Ryan diving on the floor, slapping the floor, and engaging in a war of words with the Cameron Crazies. Despite facing hostility from the opposing fans, Ryan remained unfazed, waving goodbye to them as he walked off the court.
The standout moment of the night came when Ryan, upon returning to Chapel Hill, climbed on top of the team bus to proudly display the Tar Heels’ latest ACC regular-season championship trophy to adoring fans. This gesture perfectly encapsulated Ryan’s passion and dedication to the game.
Scoring a career-high 31 points, Ryan etched his name in UNC basketball history as the seventh player to drop 30 points at Cameron Indoor Stadium. However, personal accolades were not what Ryan wanted to be remembered for. Instead, he emphasized the team’s remarkable achievement of finishing with a 17-3 record in the league. For Ryan, winning the whole ACC regular-season title was the ultimate goal.
UNC’s road to the ACC championship was not without its challenges. After a 10-game winning streak, they stumbled with three losses in their next five games. However, they rallied and closed out the regular season with an impressive six-game winning streak, securing the top seed in the upcoming ACC Tournament.
Head coach Hubert Davis expressed his joy at witnessing his team’s success and their unwavering commitment to each other. The players’ camaraderie and determination were evident throughout the game, as they out-rebounded their opponents for the 20th consecutive game and displayed resilience even when key players like Armando Bacot and RJ Davis had quiet scoring nights.
The contributions of transfers Cormac Ryan and Harrison Ingram, along with Jae’Lyn Withers off the bench, were instrumental in UNC’s victory. These players arrived in Chapel Hill with a chip on their shoulder, eager to prove themselves. Their fearlessness and ability to rise to the occasion have been invaluable to the team’s success.
UNC’s toughness and refusal to back down from any challenge have been defining characteristics of this team. They thrive when their backs are against the wall, and they relish the opportunity to compete in high-stakes games. Their performance against Duke exemplified this mentality, from their fast start to the triumphant wave at the Cameron Crazies after the final buzzer.
With the ACC regular-season championship secured, UNC now sets its sights on their next goals: winning the ACC Tournament and ultimately clinching the national championship. The team remains humble and focused, fully aware of what is at stake.
As the Tar Heels continue their journey, fans eagerly anticipate more memorable moments and outstanding performances from Cormac Ryan, Armando Bacot, Harrison Ingram, and the rest of the UNC basketball team.
