Hubert Davis believes week-long break comes at perfect time for North Carolina

North Carolina is four days into an eight-day break in their schedule, and head coach Hubert Davis said it couldn’t have come at a more perfect time.

His team has won 10 of its last 12 games, and they haven’t taken their foot off the gas since the four-game losing streak that saw them go from No. 1 in the AP Poll to unranked entirely. After such a hot streak, this short break will prove beneficial in the long run, according to Davis.

“I think this stretch has been a lot,” Davis said. “And I think this time, this week off, is good for two things. One, to be able to catch our breath and be able to heal our bodies and be able to rest. Number two, we’ll have an opportunity to work on us. I felt like over the last month and a half every one of our practices has been in preparation, like for a scout, for an opponent. So you’re working on yourself, but you’re working on yourself in regards to the team that you’re playing against.

“Now, we’ve got some time to work on us and get some rest. My hope is this week we can get better, we can get healthier, we can get rested, and then be ready to go next week to start conference play again.”

The break gives time for Armando Bacot to recover the injuries that have plagued his 2022-23 season. RJ Davis is dealing with a facial issue and is considered day-to-day ahead of the Heels’ next game, and Puff Johnson is questionable with a knee injury that has caused him to miss the last two games.

Despite being banged up, UNC is still winning games and is tied for third place in the current ACC standings with Miami (7-3). They’ll look to improve that record Wednesday night when they return from break to host Pitt in Chapel Hill. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET on the ACC Network.