What Happened: Could Anyone Have Predicted Al Wood’s Outburst in 1981 Final Four?

Posted Jun 20, 2024
One of North Carolina’s most contentious set of rivalry basketball games took place in 1981 against Virginia, who beat the Tar Heels twice only to lose a rematch in the national semifinals. That game was decided by a three-minute burst by UNC's Al Wood, one of the most famous single-game performances in Carolina history, especially given the setting. (Inside Carolina)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Video: Derek Dixon Post-Cal Locker Room Interview
North Carolina point guard Derek Dixon speaks with reporters following the Tar Heels' 84-78 loss to the Cal Golden Bears on Saturday afternoon in Berkeley,...
Sat Jan 17, 2026

Seth Trimble says it’s just a ‘bump in road’ for UNC, and it’s about manning up
Seth Trimble didn’t dance around UNC's problems after Saturday’s loss at Cal. He described a group learning how to respond when the plan goes awry,...
Sat Jan 17, 2026

Box Score: Cal 84, North Carolina 78
View the complete box score from the No. 14 North Carolina Tar Heels' 84-78 ACC road loss to the Cal Golden Bears on Saturday afternoon...
Sat Jan 17, 2026

Video: Hubert Davis Post-Cal Press Conference
North Carolina head men's basketball coach Hubert Davis speaks with the media following the No. 14 Tar Heels' 84-78 loss to the Cal Golden Bears...
Sat Jan 17, 2026