Hubert Davis secures $100,000 bonus with first-round victory over Wagner in NCAA Tournament

North Carolina didn’t leave much room for doubt Thursday afternoon in its NCAA Tournament opener against Wagner. The Tar Heels took a 40-28 lead into halftime and ultimately cruised to the 90-62 victory to advance to Saturday’s Round of 32 against Michigan State.

In the process, Hubert Davis picked up another bonus in his contract, according to USA Today’s Steve Berkowitz.

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Thursday’s win triggered a $100,00 bonus for Davis, giving him $275,000 in bonuses so far this season. North Carolina, the No. 1 seed in the West Region of March Madness, is now 28-7 on the year heading into Saturday’s game against Michigan State.

It’s been quite the turnaround for the Tar Heels after missing out on the NCAA Tournament a season ago. That was one year after they rattled off a run to the national championship, making for quite the rollercoaster over Davis’ three seasons at the helm following Roy Williams’ retirement.

But Davis’ message was similar to two years ago when UNC, then a No. 8 seed, made a run to the national championship. Seeding doesn’t matter.

“I told them that again today,” Davis said. “It’s great being a No. 1 seed but it’s an NCAA Tournament. It’s 68 accomplished teams so you have to come play, whatever seed you are, wherever you play, so our preparation, practice and play will be the same as it’s been for 34 games. We’re excited about the challenge.”

That said, Hubert Davis reiterated how proud he is of the Tar Heels for locking up that top seed. Add in the fact that they played close to home at Charlotte’s Spectrum Center, and he said it added to the special nature of this year’s tournament.

“I’m just really excited for the guys,” Davis said. “We’re a No. 1 seed because of the work this team has done this season. I’m proud of how they have worked all season, how they’ve played, how they have prepared and how from the start of the season they have wanted to be a team.

“To be given an opportunity to play in the NCAA Tournament is a big deal. I know the importance of being able to play close to home, so playing in Charlotte for potentially the first two rounds and being closer to our fans is a big deal for us, but it’s just fun coming into the tournament.”

Now, North Carolina will face a tall task against Tom Izzo and Michigan State on Saturday in the second round.