Hubert Davis shares what Cormac Ryan's spark brought for UNC

Cormac Ryan exploded for a team-high 18 points while shooting 6-11 beyond the arc in North Carolina’s 54-44 win over Virginia on Saturday. After the game, UNC head coach Hubert Davis revealed how Ryan’s red-hot performance fueled the Tar Heels’ victory.

“Against Virginia, you’re gonna have to knock down some shots and he was the only one that consistently was able to shoot the ball from three,” Davis said. “That was huge for us from the standpoint of him making them, but him making them I think stretched out their defense.

“When we had Cormac coming off those screens, they were so aware of where he was. We were able to get in the second half some baskets around in the paint, because of Cormac and his ability to shoot the basketball today.”

Ryan has only scored more than 18 points once this season when he racked up 20 points in the team’s loss to Kentucky on Dec. 16. Cormac Ryan chose the perfect time to get hot. In the win, North Carolina leading scorer RJ Davis did not score a single point in the first half.

Meanwhile, Armando Bacot only tallied 10 points. Ryan led the way for the Tar Heels, guiding them to green pastures. Davis was proud of his team’s grit to escape with a win despite several subpar performances.

“Going into this game, you know, one of the things that we consistently said to each other is whatever it takes on both ends of the floor,” Davis said. “Whatever it takes to get through a screen, to box out, to rebound, to talk on defense and dive on loose balls.

“Offensively, whatever it takes to come off those screens, to post up hard, to get second chance opportunities, to knock down open jumpers, to get to the free throw line, whatever it takes. We’ve been in games like this where you just had to find ways to be able to win and just another gritty win for us and I’m just really proud of this group.”

After Duke fell yesterday, North Carolina now holds sole possession of the No. 1 spot in the ACC standings. The team boasts a 21-6 overall record and 13-3 mark in conference play. Nonetheless, the Tar Heels haven’t secured the regular season title yet.

The team has four games left, including another matchup against arch-rival Duke. Before the Tar Heels can look too far ahead, they must face off against Miami on Monday at 7 p.m. ET.