Pfeiffer didn’t back down from the challenge in the opening minutes of its showdown with UNC in the Smith Center, but the Tar Heels were able to run away with a 104-70 victory.
Early on, the Falcons took it to UNC (5-1). Pfeiffer immediately jumped into a full-court press, which forced several turnovers and open shots. Three early 3-pointers gave Pfeiffer a 9-3 lead, and the Tar Heels were dumbfounded.
“They hit us in the mouth,” head coach Hubert Davis said. “Their speed and ability to hit threes — it caught us off guard.”
Davis soon called for a mass substitution, pulling all his starters from the court.
“I’ve always believe the No. 1 motivation to a player is sitting on the bench, so I wanted to send a message,” he said.
After being knocked around, North Carolina was able to settle into the game after several minutes. The Tar Heels eventually took the lead, but Davis still wasn’t satisfied with the effort.
A timeout with 6:23 remaining in the first half saw UNC up 40-33. Then a loud bang was heard throughout the Smith Center.
It was Davis’ clipboard smacking against the hardwood.