Despite allowing 50 points in the second half and losing a lead as big as 17, the No. 11 ranked Florida Gators held on to knock off North Carolina, 90-84, in the Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte.
North Carolina fought and clawed its way back throughout the second half and took an 84-82 lead with 2:13 remaining after Elliot Cadeau’s made layup.
The Florida defense then didn’t allow a point for the remainder of the game and held on to remain undefeated on the season.
Florida had four players in double figures. Of those four, Will Richard was the leader with 22 points and six rebounds. Alijah Martin (19 points), Walter Clayton Jr. (12 points) and Denzel Aberdeen (12 points off the bench) were the three other Gators in double figures.
Veteran point guard RJ Davis led the way for North Carolina with 29 points and eight rebounds. Seth Trimble, Ian Jackson and Cadeau all scored 11 each.
It was a tough night overall for the Tar Heels from three-point range, as they were just 5-28 (17.9%) a season low for them.
The loss for North Carolina drops its record to 6-5 on the season, a record that is really unheard of for one of the blue bloods of college basketball.
Florida (11-0) will have two winnable games against North Florida and Stetson before opening SEC play on Jan. 4 against Kentucky.
