NCAA Basketball news: Kentucky loses again, UNC loses Armando Bacot

3. Armando Bacot goes out early in a loss to Virginia

The best player in the ACC to this point arguably has been Bacot, a center that was averaging 18.8 ppg and 11.2 rpg and on pace for another All-ACC selection. The team may be underachieving compared to its No. 1 preseason ranking but statistically, the senior center has been huge for the Tar Heels still being in the NCAAT mix.

Unfortunately for UNC, they lost its star player in the first minute of the clash against the Cavaliers, rolling his ankle and never returning. He was replaced by freshman Jalen Washington and Justin McCoy at the five-spot, who played well overall. The Heels had a 29-27 halftime lead on the road.

Eventually, Virginia made its run in the second half, using mostly a small lineup, benching Jayden Gardner and Kadin Schedrik for Ben Vander Plas at the five. That worked perfectly, scoring a game-high 17 points off the bench to lead the Cavaliers to a 65-58 win. RJ Davis and Caleb Love went a combined 10/25 from the field for 29 points.

Washington did have a good night in extended minutes, scoring 13 points and six rebounds in 27 minutes. But going from Bacot to Washington is a big downgrade and one the Tar Heels can’t afford to have for long. We’ll see how the ankle injury looks but expect him to be doubtful in the next game against Louisville on the road.

The good news is that they shouldn’t need him for that.