CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Since the deafening loss to Louisville on Jan. 1, the Tar Heels have gone on a four-game tear, most recently mounting a commanding 79-53 win over Cal on Wednesday night at the Smith Center.
Freshman sensation Ian Jackson continued his remarkable scoring streak, posting 20 points and seven rebounds to lead the Tar Heels. The win marked another milestone in Jackson’s increasingly impressive freshman campaign. With this performance, he’s has now scored 159 points over his last seven games, falling just one point shy of Tyler Hansbrough’s UNC freshman record over a seven-game stretch. More impressively, it marked his sixth 20+ point game in the last seven outings, bringing his season total of 20-point games to seven.
“Ian’s development has been extraordinary,” said UNC head coach Hubert Davis after the game. “What we’re seeing is not just his scoring ability, but his complete understanding of the game and how to impact it on both ends of the floor.”
Jackson, who is averaging 15.7 points per game this season, has scored in double figures in eight consecutive games. His consistency has been a crucial factor in the Tar Heels’ recent success, as they’ve won four straight games and six of their last seven. His efficient shooting and aggressive drives to the basket have made him an increasingly difficult matchup for opposing defenses.
Against Cal, Jackson showcased his full repertoire, mixing strong drives to the rim with well-timed cuts and defensive intensity. His seven rebounds demonstrated his growing commitment to affecting the game beyond just scoring, something that’s become a hallmark of his recent performances.
“I think we put a whole 40 together on the defensive end,” Jackson said. “That was a big point of emphasis for us during half time. A lot of times this year we’ve only played one half defensively so coming out here and putting two halves together was huge for us.”
The freshman’s emergence has coincided with North Carolina’s strongest stretch of the season. The Tar Heels (12-6, 5-1 ACC) have found their rhythm in conference play, with Jackson’s scoring providing a reliable offensive weapon alongside teammates Elliot Cadeau (15 points) and Seth Trimble (12 points). Nine different Tar Heels also scored.
Throughout the game, Jackson’s presence was felt beyond the box score. His defensive energy and court awareness helped the Tar Heels maintain their defensive intensity, contributing to Cal’s struggles from the field (34.8% shooting) and particularly from three-point range (12.0%).
“What’s most impressive about Ian is how he’s elevated his game while staying within our system,” Davis added. “He’s not just scoring; he’s making the right plays at the right times, and that’s rare for a freshman.”
The victory over Cal showcased North Carolina’s best shooting first half of the season, and Jackson’s role in that is crucial. The team’s offensive execution, led by Jackson’s scoring touch, helped build a 10-point halftime lead that would never dip below six points in the second half.
As the Tar Heels continue their ACC campaign, Jackson’s emergence as a consistent scoring threat has added another dimension to their offense. His ability to create his own shot while still playing within the team concept has made North Carolina increasingly difficult to defend, especially when combined with the playmaking of Cadeau and the defensive intensity of Trimble.
He is rapidly establishing himself as not just one of North Carolina’s key players, but as one of the ACC’s emerging stars. As conference play continues, his continued development could be a decisive factor in the Tar Heels’ pursuit of an ACC title.