Dayton, OH.- This one was for everyone who said they didn’t belong.

The big dance began tonight (March 18), as San Diego State faced off against North Carolina in the “First 4 In/Out” of the NCAA Tournament. Since Selection Sunday, social media has been hounding the narrative that the UNC Tarheels did not belong earn a right to play in March. Let’s just say the ‘Heels silenced those talks really quick tonight.

One thing was clear since the get go tonight: it was going to be the RJ Davis show. The 6 foot super senior was electric all game, scoring 26 points, 18 of which coming from behind the arc. Davis’ 6-6 3 Point night stood as one of the greatest Tournament performances by a UNC Tarheel ever, standing as the T-4th performance in program history from deep (Caleb Love, Shammond Williams and Marcus Paige). RJ Davis was one of four Tarheels who eclipsed double figures tonight, as Seth Tremble (16 Points), Ven-Alle Lubin (12) and Jae’ly Withers (10) came away with elite scoring performances. The three ball was flying for the Heels, connecting on a 58.3% shooting night.

Tonight marked the most points allowed by the San Diego State defense all season, previously giving up 80 to Gonzaga on November 18, 2024). Things weren’t much better offensively, as the Aztecs shot 39.7% from the field, and 29.6% from deep.

By this point in the program’s storied legacy, there aren’t a lot of “firsts” for the UNC Tarheels. With that being said, tonight marked the first NCAA First Four In victory in team history. UNC will advance to the Round of 64 taking on Ole Miss on Friday, March 21. Tip off is slated for 4:05 P.M. EST.

Cover Photo Credits: UNC Athletics