GREENSBORO — Despite holding a commanding lead throughout most of its 83-76 win on Sunday at the Greensboro Coliseum, the No. 12 North Carolina men’s basketball team had allowed No. 20 Notre Dame to pull within four.
The Fighting Irish (17-7, 6-5 ACC) had struggled with the UNC offense all game, but with 4:46 to play, they had seized the momentum with a 17-7 run. Notre Dame was in striking distance now, and the Tar Heels (21-4, 9-2 ACC) needed a stop.
Showing a “box and 1” defense, designed for teams with one dominant scorer, the Fighting Irish keyed in on Justin Jackson — who averaged 18.