No. 1 UNC Upset by Alabama in Sweet 16 as March Madness Fans Criticize RJ Davis

Andrew PetersMarch 29, 2024

Harry How/Getty Images

RJ Davis had been one of the best players in college basketball all season, but on Thursday his shot wasn’t falling as No. 4 seed Alabama beat No. 1 North Carolina 89-87 in the Sweet 16.

Davis was a dreadful 0-of-9 from deep and just 4-of-20 from the field in the loss. He nearly made up for his sluggish performance with some clutch free throws down the stretch, but those free throws were irrelevant after Davis took and missed two ugly shots as the Tar Heels trailed in the final minute.

The ACC Player of the Year had an outstanding campaign, but unfortunately for him, fans will remember his poor shooting night that cost North Carolina a shot at the Elite Eight.

Sean Paul @SeanPaulCBBRJ Davis was never looking to pass. He’s played terrible all day, and never thought about passing. Selfish play.

Andy Bailey @AndrewDBaileyRJ Davis with a pair of mind-bogglingly terrible decisions. Not sure what he was hoping to accomplish on either of those drives.

Josh Kail @THATJoshKailRJ Davis went total hero ball mode. He wasn’t even looking to make a pass on that possession

³² @BRlANBRANCHRj davis with a chance to tie pic.twitter.com/Ff8UcSEiwq

FanDuel Sportsbook @FDSportsbooknobody:

RJ Davis tonight: pic.twitter.com/fvhoRKujxa

Jacob Karabatsos @jacobkarabatsosJust a brutal loss for UNC. A lot of questionable decisions by Hubert Davis, but above all you just can’t win a tournament game when your best player goes 4/20, 0/9. Fantastic season for RJ, but he just didn’t have it tonight.

Stewart Mandel @slmandelCringing every time RJ Davis takes a 3.

It’s not happening tonight, man.

Not Dave Canales @NotDaveCanalesThat was a fun season. RJ Davis having his worst game of the year is what ended up costing the Heels.

Made For March @madeformarchRJ Davis taking the scenic route to the basket on that one.

Less than ideal.

Bryan Ives @awaytoworthyThat was the only game this season RJ Davis did not make a 3-pt FG.

North Carolina lost by 2.

Jared Feinberg @JRodNFLDraftRJ Davis choosing the wrong game/night to have a bad performance.

With the win, Alabama will take on No. 6 Clemson in the Elite Eight with a chance to go to their first Final Four in program history.