When the final buzzer sounded in Purcell Pavillion, the Target Heels barely edged out Notre Dame. The narrow win of 74-73 was marked by relentless energy and last-second dramatics. Fans and analysts credit this close victory to Hubert Davis’ ‘guardian angels’. Let’s find out what they say about this game-changing duo.

“Elliot Cadeau! From the right wing not known for all those perimeter makes but he’s gone better there..”, Said analyst John Fanta in a recent episode of the podcast ‘The Field of 68 After Dark’. Cadeau buried a 3-pointer in this game, totaling 10 points in his 32-minute play with 6 assists.

Ian Jackson, too, played a crucial part in this victory. “Ian Jackson is a killer, and he can score!” said analyst Jeff Goodman. Jackson delivered a career-high 27 points, hitting 11 of 18 shots and grabbing six rebounds. The 6’4″ freshman has been scoring an average of 14.9 points a game this season and he is an asset to Davis.

“even they lost by 40. And Ian Jackson and his whole team tapped out of that game” Said Goodman, talking about Jackson’s last summer’s game. But his opinion has now changed, “Well, I’ve totally changed my tune on this kid. He is a killer”

“Ian Jackson…has been really, really good in the recent weeks for this team.” Added John Fanta. Indeed, Jackson has been delivering at least 22 points in the last four games. His current form is everything Davis can depend on.

Davis’ UNC barely wins over Fighting Irish in ACC Thriller

This match was nothing short of a treat for NCAA fans. 17 lead changes is a season-high for the UNC. The Tar Heels led by a respectable 11 points in the second half but the Notre Dame pushed back. In the last 14 seconds of the game, the Fighting Irish led with 3 points at 73-70 until Cadeau did something spectacular. He delivered a four-point play while drawing a foul to secure the win. Meanwhile, Notre Dame’s Markus Burton did do his best to keep the team competing with 23 crucial points.

“We needed this one,” Hubert Davis said afterward.”It wasn’t just about the standings. It was about our confidence and playing Carolina basketball.”

Carolina’s shooting was decisive at 58.3% in the second half which marks their sixth consecutive game shooting over 50 percent in the final period. They are keeping their season on an upward trajectory so far this season with the critical roles of their “guardian angels”