In a closely contested college basketball game, Virginia Tech faced off against North Carolina. Virginia Tech started strong, taking an early 5-0 lead with MJ Collins scoring quickly. However, North Carolina responded with a 9-point run, taking the lead 9-5. Tyler Nickel, returning to the Smith Center with Virginia Tech, made a significant impact with two 3-pointers and two blocks. Despite Virginia Tech's efforts, including Lynn Kidd's attempt to complete a three-point play to cut the deficit to single digits, North Carolina maintained their lead throughout the game, with scores at various points showing UNC up 19-15, leading 67-56, and Virginia Tech down 57-47 and then 77-68 to UNC. Ingram and Cormac Ryan were notable for North Carolina, with Ingram grabbing 8 rebounds and scoring 9 points, and Ryan hitting a crucial deep 3-pointer to extend UNC's lead to 92-78, sealing the game for North Carolina.
Cormac Ryan with a deep 3 to push the UNC lead to 92-78 with over a minute left. Game ovah. #Hokies
Foul on Jaydon Young before the TV timeout at 7:59. Mike Young sure looked like he wanted a travel. #Hokies have it in single digits (for the moment), down 77-68 to UNC.
Foul on Jayden Young before the TV timeout at 7:59. Mike Young sure looked like he wanted a travel. #Hokies have it in single digits (for the moment), down 77-68 to UNC.
Beran picks up his fourth foul on that Bacot basket. A chance after the break to make it a three-point play, with UNC leading 67-56 right now. #Hokies need to heat up from outside. Cattoor and Pedulla just 1-for-7 from long range today. Neither in double figures.
Lynn Kidd picks up his fourth foul with 13:34 remaining. That isn't good for the #Hokies with their lack of post depth.
Lynn Kidd with a basket in the post and draws a foul. He'll have a shot to complete the three-point play after the TV timeout and cut the deficit to single digits. #Hokies down 57-47 to UNC.
Poteat picks up his third foul. He joins Kidd and Beran with three fouls each. #Hokies frontcourt is hurting.
Lynn Kidd goes 47 seconds in the second half before picking up his third foul. And back to the bench ... #Hokies
Two blocks in two possessions for Tyler Nickel. #Hokies
Ingram has 8 rebounds, 3 on the offensive glass, and 9 points ... UNC on a 6-0 run to open up a 29-18 lead
Tyler Nickel makes his return to the Smith Center with Virginia Tech and gets a favorable bounce on his first 3-point attempt. Then bangs in another. UNC up 19-15 at the under-12. Harrison Ingram with 7 for UNC, Cormac Ryan with 6.
Two triples for Tyler Nickel, who's familiar with the rims here at UNC. #Hokies pull within 14-13 but ... Cattoor just picked up his second foul at the 13:32 mark of the first half.
Poteat picks up his second foul in just four minutes and heads back to the bench. #Hokies
After VA Tech scored the game's first 5 points, UNC has answered with 9 straight, with Ingram at the line for an and-1 after the TV timeout
North Carolina answers with nine straight points and a possible and-1 after the TV timeout. Heels forcing #Hokies into tough shots on the other end. It's 9-5.UNC.
A quick five points for MJ Collins, who gives the #Hokies a 5-0 lead here at UNC.