The intensity of college basketball rivalries was on full display as No. 4 seed Wake Forest head coach Steve Forbes made headlines with comments on No. 5 seed North Carolina coach Hubert Davis.
The two in-state rivals squared off in the quarterfinals of the ACC Tournament Thursday night, and while the Tar Heels walked away with a victory, the Demon Deacons didn’t go away quietly. Let’s take a further look at Forbes’ comments.
Steve Forbes Gets Emotional About Tar Heels Loss
The game began with Wake Forest striking first, setting an aggressive tone. However, UNC quickly responded after Davis called a timeout to regroup his team. From that point on, the first half remained a back-and-forth contest, with both teams battling fiercely for control.
During a break in the action, the camera cuts to Forbes, who can be seen mouthing the words “whiny a** b****” directed at North Carolina coach Hubert Davis.
He definitely called Hubert Davis a Whiny a** b**** 😮💨😮💨😮💨 https://t.co/QosN8IqEFK pic.twitter.com/RmlYu01TTj
— Future Of The Retro (@TraeK_) March 13, 2025
One of the key talking points of the game was Davis’ frequent discussions with the referees. Known for trying to influence calls, the UNC coach was seen engaging officials throughout the contest. While this is a common strategy for many coaches, Forbes was visibly frustrated by what he perceived as excessive lobbying for favorable calls.
UNC’s Defense Secures Gritty Victory
Despite Wake Forest’s strong effort, UNC’s defense ultimately proved to be the difference-maker. The Tar Heels clamped down on the Demon Deacons, forcing them to miss 11 of their final 12 shots. This defensive stand allowed UNC to pull away with a 68-59 victory.
Wake Forest did an excellent job of limiting Carolina’s transition offense, turning the game into a half-court battle. The Tar Heels were held to zero fast-break points in the first half and managed just five in total. However, their resilience and defensive adjustments allowed them to grind out a tough win.
While emotions run high in competitive games, Forbes’ choice of words about Davis could lead to further tension between the two programs. Such comments can sometimes cause miscommunication or strain relationships between coaching staff, schools, and fanbases.
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Moving forward, UNC will shift its focus to its upcoming showdown against No. 1 seed Duke, another highly anticipated Tobacco Road rivalry game. Meanwhile, Forbes and Wake Forest will look to regroup and move past this heated exchange as they prepare for their next challenge.
This game was a testament to the grit and intensity of ACC basketball, proving once again why these matchups remain must-watch events for college basketball fans.
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