WATCH: Armando Bacot exits to locker room during ACC Tournament with ankle injury

UNC star big man Armando Bacot exited their first game of the ACC Tournament with an ankle injury that forced him into the locker room. The injury happened after he pulled down an offensive rebound and rolled his left ankle without contact — bringing him down to the court immediately. As play continued, Bacot limped off the court under his own power but was unable to put any weight on his leg.

Bacot is headed back to the locker room with what appears to be a lower body injury. pic.twitter.com/W2aL2J4hfN

— Carolina Blitz (@KeepBlitzin) March 9, 2023

Armando Bacot exits with ankle injury

The broadcast team relayed that Bacot was heard saying “not again” as he dealt with the injury, as the same ankle was injured earlier this season against Virginia. After a brief visit with the team’s medical staff on the bench, Bacot left to the locker room under his own power with a little under five minutes remaining in the half.

At the time of his injury, Bacot had posted eight points and five rebounds while the Tar Heels built a 39-23 lead over Boston College. Bacot finished the game after returning in the second half with 10 points and six rebounds.

North Carolina entered Wednesday’s action with their NCAA Tournament lives on the line, with many bracket experts calling their matchup with Boston College a “must-win.” Despite building a huge lead early, the biggest story of the half was the injury to Bacot that sent him to the locker room. The Tar Heels led the Eagles 43-29 at the break, with a big question mark surrounding Bacot’s status for the rest of the game.

Luckily, Bacot’s injury appeared to be a minor one after receiving treatment and some rest in the locker room. He started the second half to help the Tar Heels secure a 85-61 win and eliminate the Eagles. North Carolina’s backcourt was a problem all night long as Caleb Love and R.J. Davis scored a combined 40 points on 16-of-32 shooting.