Hubert Davis shares locker room message following Duke loss

Duke edged North Carolina 63-57 Saturday in thrilling fashion. The loss was heartbreaking for the Tar Heel family, and head coach Hubert Davis tried to put the loss into words when talking to his team after the game.

“That I was proud of their effort and that I love being their coach and I love these kids,” Davis said he told his team postgame. “It’s a blessing and an honor to be with them every day and … that for us this year, consistently it’s been the discipline and the details. The little things — a box out, a defensive assignment, execution on the offensive end that has been up and down in late-game situations. Once we get better and more consistent at that, I think it’ll be a happier locker room than a sad locker room.”

Duke held UNC to a season-low in total points on 34.3 percent shooting (25.9 percent from 3). The Tar Heels only attempted three free throws in the matchup and were out-played in most other statistical categories. Still, Carolina had a chance to win at the end but just couldn’t get the ball to bounce their way.

To Davis, at this point in the season, he’s giving his team no other option than to get right back on track right away. As big of a loss as Saturday’s was, North Carolina has to move on and focus on improving.

“I don’t know what else to tell the team. ‘We gotta play Wake [Forest] on Tuesday. Crap.’ No, this is basketball. This is life. Let’s go back to work tomorrow. Let’s get back to work. Let’s work hard. Let’s do it with energy and effort and passion, enthusiasm,” Davis said. “Let’s go show up on Monday. Let’s work hard. Energy. Effort. Passion. Enthusiasm. Togetherness. Closeness. A hunger and thirst. Then let’s play on Tuesday against a great and unbelievable Wake Forest team.”

Tip-off between UNC and the Demon Deacons is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET Tuesday night on the road live on ESPN. The Tar Heel will look to avoid a three-game skid with another loss.