North Carolina suffered its fifth loss of the season and its fourth to an AP-ranked top-10 team on Tuesday. Unlike the others, the loss to Florida stung deeper, as the Tar Heels squandered a late lead with just under two minutes remaining in regulation. After a string of miscues, turnovers, and missed rebounding opportunities, the unbeaten Florida Gators tied the game, grabbed the lead, and won clutch free throws to seal an 11th straight victory.

Afterward, UNC alumnus Tyler Hansbrough criticized Coach Hubert Davis‘s tactics, saying the Tar Heels’ game is littered with flaws. Hansbrough’s comments spoke for the frustrated fanbase.

Tyler Hansbrough criticizes Hubert Davis’s tactics and missed opportunities

Hansbrough, a 2009 NCAA champion and UNC legend, didn’t hold back in his assessment of the team’s performance against Florida. He said, “If you look at every major loss that we’ve been involved with, we’ve been down double digits in the first half and had to claw and fight our way back in the second. The amount of energy it takes is exhausting; it wears on you throughout the game, but you’ve got to figure out the start.”

Even though they mounted a spirited comeback in the second half, the Tar Heels couldn’t pull it off at the 2024 Jumpman Invitational in Charlotte. RJ Davis led UNC with 29 points and eight rebounds, while Elliot Cadeau, Seth Trimble, and Ian Jackson each had 11 points. Florida, though, had too much offense and Will Richard’s decisive putback with 54 seconds remaining sealed the deal for the Tar Heels.

Hansbrough highlighted the Tar Heels’ rebounding struggles saying, “Florida beat us up on the offensive boards. Late in the game, we can’t give a team like that second-chance bucket or we’re going to lose. We knew that coming in – Florida is one of the best offensive teams in the country.”

If the UNC has any hopes of salvaging this season, it will have to address these recurring problems with another formidable opponent on the horizon.

High-Stakes matchup against UCLA

The Tar Heels now turn their attention to another ranked opponent. On Saturday, December 21, UNC will face UCLA at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The Bruins ranked No. 18 in the latest AP Poll, are riding a nine-game winning streak. This game is a must-win for the Tar Heels if they want a Quad 1 victory. It’s obviously an important stat for NCAA Tournament selection.

Both their weaknesses and potential were exposed in North Carolina’s games against Florida. The Tar Heels, who fell behind by 17 in the first half, outscored the Gators in the second half. But they didn’t recover from their early deficit, couldn’t wrest control of the boards, and couldn’t take advantage of second-chance opportunities.

North Carolina will take on one of the country’s best teams, UCLA. They’ll face a stifling defense and high-powered offense. A win isn’t out of the question for the Tar Heels if they can dominate the boards and play a full game. Otherwise, their road to March Madness could be much more difficult.

As Hansbrough aptly noted, “The starts are a huge issue.” Saturday’s showdown in New York will test whether the Tar Heels can finally rise to the occasion and deliver a signature win.