IT WAS a convincing win from the North Carolina Tar Heels in their clash against the San Diego State Aztecs to kick off the 2025 NCAAM National Tournament on Wednesday afternoon at UD Arena.

68 teams have been thrown into the March Madness chaos as the most exciting period of college basketball began on Wednesday, and two 11th-seeded sides in their respective divisions were set to go head to head.

Although they both achieved the same ranking, it was a completely one-sided affair with the Tar Heels looking far too good for the Aztecs, and it was all set up by one of the best first half defensive performances of the season.

North Carolina restricted the opposition to just 23 points prior to half time, and led by 24 at the change. It was too much of a deficit for San Diego State to overcome, falling by 27 points.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be casting an eye over how the key players performed in the match, as some of the NCAAM’s best and brightest continue to display their craft on a nightly basis.

North Carolina Tar Heels (95) def. San Diego State Aztecs (68)

Tar Heels:

#3 Elliot Cadeau

It was almost a double-double for Cadeau in the big win over the Aztecs, doing as he pleased with ball in hand and generating some electricity on the offensive end for his side. Looking to pass first, he made life easier for his teammates with elite vision, timing and overall execution, and was a key reason as to why the Tar Heels got off to such a hot start. He combined well with Davis to torch the San Diego State defence, and the pair were able to work in tandem to get open looks. He was one point shy of a double-double, posting nine points (4/5 FG, 1/1 3PT) and 12 assists in another excellent outing for North Carolina’s point guard.

#4 RJ Davis

It was a masterful scoring performance from Davis, who is enjoying an excellent season with the Tar Heels and makes it look easy when scoring the basketball. It was another efficient night from him, looking likely to find the bottom of the net whenever he fired off a shot. Remarkably, Davis shot a perfect 6/6 from behind the arc on a memorable night for him when it comes to long range scoring. Overall, he shot an accurate 8/12 from the field and finished with 26 points in yet another match where Davis took over on the scoring front.

#24 Jae’Lyn Withers

It was a physical performance from Withers, who did the dirty work for his side, but also got reward for effort with a double-double in the big win on Wednesday. Relentless in his pursuit for the loose ball, Withers was tremendous on the defensive glass, with all 10 of his rebounds coming after an opposition miss. He also nailed a pair of three-pointers to stretch the floor and push North Carolina’s lead out further as the Tar Heels began to fully take control of the match. He shot 3/5 from the field and 2/2 from behind the arc to post 10 points and stuff the stat sheet in a great start to the National Tournament.

Aztecs:

#30 Nick Boyd

It was a tireless performance from Boyd in the big loss to the Tar Heels, and although it may not have been his most efficient outing, he still toiled away to try and generate some offence in trying conditions. As mentioned above, North Carolina’s defence was relentless, never giving any good looks to the Aztecs, and Boyd had to fight tooth and nail for all of his looks. One of two players for San Diego State to post double digits, he finished with 12 points, five rebounds and two assists on 4/14 shooting from the field in a gutsy offensive performance despite the loss.