The (13) Indiana Hoosiers took down the (3) North Carolina Tar Heels Wednesday night, and NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas pulled out the internet’s most popular meme.
It was a grand upset by the Hoosiers in an installment of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge, who downed the Tar Heels in Assembly Hall, 76-67. Isiah Thomas, the most notable Hoosier alum was in attendance, and he and his alma mater got the last laugh.
Long time Michael Jordan rival Isiah Thomas held up a Crying Jordan head during Indiana’s win over North Carolina. pic.twitter.com/zqySNXtJN1
— Jordan Heck (@JordanHeckFF) December 1, 2016
The Thomas-Jordan rivalry (or hatred?) has been well-documented as the two constantly battled throughout the late-80s, and this victory looks like it makes up for being left off the original Dream Team.
UNC junior Justin Jackson had 21 points 7-of-13 shooting to lead all scorers and tied the team lead with eight rebounds. Joel Berry had a game-high eight assists.
Indiana freshman OG Anunoby was one of five Hoosiers who scored in double-figures, and he led the team with 16. James Blackmon, the Big Ten’s third-leading scorer, had 14 points and nine rebounds.
After the game, UNC coach Roy Williams was entirely displeased with his team’s performance. “We weren’t ready to play,” said Williams per the Associated Press. “We did not shoot free throws, we didn’t rebound the ball, we didn’t get loose balls. At the half, they had more second-chance points — they had five or six fast-break points — and we had none. Everything, everything (went wrong).”
Carolina finished the night shooting just 39 percent from the field, 29 percent from three and 59 percent from the line, all of which were eclipsed by Indiana.
It was a slow start that hampered the Tar Heels’ comeback attempts, and they weren’t able to erase the 12-point halftime deficit they got stuck in.
The Hoosiers will ride the emotions of this win until they take on Southern Illinois-Edwardsville Friday night. Carolina looks to get back on track against Radford on Sunday.
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