The University of North Carolina Tar Heels’ JV basketball team traveled to Steve Lacy Fieldhouse on Monday night to square off against the Milligan Men’s JV team.
The Buffs did not have to worry about fan support due to the first sellout in a handful of years in the fieldhouse. Around 1,300 fans packed inside the gym to see the Buffs battle it out against the Tar Heels.
By the start of the game, there was not a seat to be found. Students came to the game loud and proud, wearing all black attire for the blackout. Similarly, all the Milligan players wore their black jerseys.
Many students saw this game as a great opportunity for the school.
“This is a big game for the program, because it could lead to other big-name-schools coming to Milligan to play against our program,” Jacob Smith, a junior men’s volleyball player, said.
Nick Sewell, a sophomore men’s golfer, said that he saw the game as an opportunity for the school to come together and show their support.
“I was excited for the opportunity for the Milligan community to come together and support the Buffs,” Sewell said.
Coaching for the Tar Heels was UNC basketball player and former NBA player, Hubert Davis. The Buffs were coached by former Milligan basketball player, Morgan McLeod.
The hot shooting put on by both teams was the result of a high scoring first half in which the score favored the Tar Heels.
At halftime, Milligan trailed the Tar Heels by 14 points with a score of 53-39. The hot shooting continued for both teams in second half, but too many turnovers for the Buffs allowed UNC to pull away and eventually win by 22 points with a score of 100-78.
The scoring leaders for the Buffs were Chase Phillips with 15 points and nine rebounds and Jordan Stout, a senior playing in his final game for the Buffs, with 10 points and two 3-pointers.
Cover photo via Carter County Sports on milliganbuffs.com.