North Carolina earns ACC $2 million for First Four win over San Diego State

North Carolina‘s First Four victory over San Diego State on Tuesday night paid, literally, as the Tar Heels victory earned the ACC $2 million as part of the NCAA’s March Madness units payout system. This comes on top of the $2 million the ACC received for the Tar Heels making the tournament field in the first place.

North Carolina would lead by as many as 40 points during the contest as the Tar Heels defeated the Aztecs 95-68 in blowout fashion. They now advance past the First Four to play in the first round against No. 6 seed Ole Miss.

The victory saw four different Tar Heels score in double figures against San Diego State. RJ Davis led the way with 26 points while making all six of his 3-point attempts during the contest. Jae’Lyn Withers and Ven-Allen Lubin combined for 22 points during the matchup. Seth Trimble erupted for 16 points off the bench for the Tar Heels as well.

As a team, North Carolina made 30 total field goals, 14 of which came from 3-point territory. The Tar Heels would go on to shoot 52.6% from the field, 58.3% from deep and 87.5% from the free throw line, which would prove to be a recipe for victory on Tuesday night.

After the game, North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis addressed the outside noise surrounding the Tar Heels making the final field of 68. Many were critical on social media, pointing toward UNC’s 1-12 record against Quad 1 opponents this season as an arguement against the Tar Heels coming into March. Davis said his players were focused on what was in front of them.

“I don’t think it was a weight on us to try to get into the NCAA Tournament,” Hubert Davis said. “My communication with them is to always focus on us. It’s not the noise on the outside in terms of comments and critics.

“Focusing on our preparation, our practice, and our play. I consistently send that message in a number of different ways because that’s the only thing that we have control over. So, why waste time doing anything else?”

Now, the Tar Heels will take on the Ole Miss Rebels in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. Tip-off between UNC and Ole Miss is scheduled for Friday at 4:05 p.m. ET and will air live on TNT. The Tar Heels are a 1.5-point betting favorite heading into the matchup.