Jae'Lyn Withers admits reaction to lane violation vs. Duke has been 'tough' for him

Jae’Lyn Withers received no shortage of backlash online after catastrophically committing a lane violation in the final seconds of North Carolina‘s loss to Duke in the ACC Tournament semifinals. After all, for a moment, it looked like the play could have been the final image of the Tar Heels’ 2024-25 season.

Alas, on Sunday, the NCAA Tournament selection committee shocked fans around the nation when they placed North Carolina in a First Four game with a chance to advance to the Round of 64. On Monday, Withers opened up on how he’s been handling fans’ reactions to his late-game mistake.

“It’s been tough,” Withers said. “The biggest thing for me is not stressing about prior events and focusing on the ones that we could possible have leading up to the game.”

With 4.1 seconds left in the game, North Carolina trailed Duke 72-71. Nonetheless, hopes looked high for UNC with junior guard Ven-Allen Lubin at the charity stripe and two free throws ahead.

Lubin missed his first free-throw attempt, forcing North Carolina fans to hold their breath a bit longer. When Lubin began to take his second foul shot, Jae’Lyn Withers moved early and was assessed a lane violation.

Duke was awarded the ball and Blue Devils freshman Kon Kneuppel sunk two free throws to ice the game. After the game, Withers attempted to explain what went wrong on the disastrous play.

“I guess you could say that I mistimed the [free throw] shot to secure the rebound in case he did miss,” Withers said. “The emotions following was just the sense of disbelief, initially. Following that, of course I’m going to be upset. But the game was over.”

Thankfully for Withers, his season isn’t over as well. On Tuesday, the Tar Heels will square off against San Diego State at 9:10 p.m. ET.

Due to North Carolina’s 1-12 record against Quad 1 opponents this season, many fans have claimed the team didn’t deserve a spot in the NCAA Tournament. On Sunday, Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis responded to UNC’s critics.

“I don’t have any thoughts, and I’m not on social media. In regards to those comments, that would be negligent on my part to comment on something I’ve never read or never hear,” Davis said. “I didn’t listen to Bracketology. I didn’t listen after our name was selected on CBS. I didn’t listen to the telecasts. I haven’t listened to anybody’s comments in regards to selections, seedings.

“I know that we’re really excited to be a part of this. We’re looking forward to tomorrow night.”