So, that just happened. With 7:11 remaining in the second half, Jarin Stevenson hit a three to put North Carolina up 14 and things were looking good for Tar Heel Nation. Then VCU went on a 26-8 run over the rest of the half and overtime and beat North Carolina by four. The Tar Heels made two baskets during that stretch with the last one coming with 2:44 remaining in the second half.
And just like that what looked like a fun Saturday in Greenville turned into a second straight season where North Carolina failed to get past the first round of the tournament. So, who deserves Player of the Game in the Tar Heel’s opening round overtime loss to VCU?
It could easily go to Henri Veesaar who finished with his second straight double-double, albeit with both coming in crushing losses, as he scored a team high 26 points while grabbing a game high 10 rebounds. The Arizona transfer also had four assists and hit three shots from beyond the arc. Veesaar also missed the first of two free throws at the end of OT that could’ve tied the game before blowing an intentional miss by missing the rim. North Carolina didn’t lose the game because of Veesaar, but it didn’t win it because of him either.
However, despite that great performance, Player of the Game has to go to Seth Trimble. In his final game, the four year Tar Heel did a little bit of everything scoring 15 points and grabbing 8 rebounds, while also dishing out 6 assists and collecting five steals, including an amazing one at the end of regulation that almost gave the Tar Heels a regulation victory. Yes, he missed the front end of a 1 and 1 toward the end of the second half that could’ve put the Tar Heels up 4 had he hit both, but he still gave it his all and deserves a little recognition to end his great career.
Who do you think deserves Player of the Game? Let us know in the comments below.