Caleb Love, Pete Nance rave about toughness of RJ Davis

North Carolina guard RJ Davis displayed his toughness during a rough and tumble battle Tuesday against Syracuse.

Davis took multiple hard bumps and falls during the game before having to leave after taking an elbow to the face from Judah Mintz.

Head coach Hubert Davis said after the game that Davis is fine and his teammates applauded his toughness.

Transfer forward Pete Nance said Davis’ performance made him a hero of the game, which the Tar Heels won 72-68.

“RJ is tough,” Nance said. “He took that first one and got back up and came in and made some big time plays and that was probably one of the biggest plays in the game, him taken that charge, sticking his nose in there. He was kind of underlying hero of the game.”

Caleb Love: RJ Davis brings ‘a toughness and grit’ to this team

RJ Davis scored only nine points during the game but made a lot of winning plays. He grabbed five rebounds, dished out five assists and stole two passes.

His backcourt mate Caleb Love said Davis is the type of player every team needs to help them win and be successful.

“He’s tough as nails,” Love said. “I appreciate having him on my team because he brings a toughness and grit to this team. We need those type of guys. He put his body on a line.”