CHAPEL HILL, N.C. –– North Carolina continued its late-season surge, defeating Virginia 81-66 on Saturday at the Smith Center, marking the Tar Heels’ third consecutive victory and fourth win in five games.
The resurgence of sixth-year senior Jae’Lyn Withers played a pivotal role, as he recorded his first double-double of the season with 16 points and 11 rebounds. The forward, who recently reclaimed his starting position, shot 4-of-6 from beyond the arc and provided crucial defensive plays, including a key block late in the game.
“One of the things I’ve told him over and over again, and a lot over the last two weeks is that this team desperately needs his wisdom in terms of experience,” said UNC head coach Hubert Davis.
“He’s seen everything. Ian and Drake, they need to see it. Seth, J-Wash, they need to see it. He’s really taking that ownership and really running with it. And I’m just really, really proud of him.”
Ever since the team’s 20-point loss at Clemson, the Tar Heels have been reenergized and played with a necessary grit late in the season. The team hasn’t trailed in its last three games, receiving contributions throughout the roster and maintaining momentum through crucial second-half stretches.
Withers’ journey this season reflects the team’s resilience. After starting the first seven games, he struggled with shot selection and consistency, leading to reduced playing time. However, his recent emergence — including nine three-pointers over the past three games — has provided the Tar Heels with a veteran presence they desperately needed.
Withers averaged just 4.2 points per game last season at Carolina. These past three games, he’s supplied 45 points and his up tempo is a bright spot.
“They’ve been picking me up, telling me to be aggressive,” Withers said. “They understand how well I shoot and how much work I put in in the offseason so they’re really emphasizing the confidence.”
The Louisville transfer’s passion was evident against Virginia, despite receiving a technical foul in the first half after an exchange with a Cavaliers player. His emotional style of play — from lying on the court after made shots, to his distinctive three-point celebrations — has energized the team.
From making some poor decisions and taking questionable shots, Withers now settles for the easier, yet dynamic shot and it’s worked well for him. When I asked him about this year being different, he made it clear that it being his last makes everything so much more valuable.
“It’s go big or go home for me so I’m trying to get everything I can out of it.”
His passion is an imperative part of his game, paired with his athleticism and ability to compete Jae’Lyn Withers is lethal.
“Not only the leadership I bring being a sixth year player, but me being more expressive with my emotions and energy, I think it’s contagious at times,” Withers said.
The combination of Withers’ veteran leadership, improved shot selection, and infectious energy has become instrumental in North Carolina’s late-season push.
The Resurgence of Jae’Lyn Withers Is Playing A Critical Role in Tar Heels’ Late Season Surge