The Tar Heels blew past Lipscomb 84-66 Friday in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, but for senior point guard Joel Berry II, the win had a significant meaning that will be hard for him to forget.
Berry reached a big milestone as he surpassed Michael Jordan on UNC's all-time career scoring list with a grand total of 1,792 points. Berry added 14 points to his career total against Lipscomb, helping him secure that feat.
“To be able to have that honor, that’s something great,” Berry said, via USA Today. “I can always remember that that I passed him on the scoring list. He left after three years, didn’t he? So it’s expected for me to pass him, kinda. I’ve been here for four years now. At the same time, to be above him is a great honor.”
There is one caveat, as Jordan only played three years in Chapel Hill before going to the NBA and Berry is finishing off his fourth year, but passing Jordan who many consider as the greatest of all-time is certainly something to celebrate.
“You say something like that, I start grinning,” North Carolina coach Roy Williams said. “My gosh. But 23 was pretty good. Having that extra year probably helped him, too, but you’re still ahead of Michael Jordan in something. A lot of guys aren’t ahead of Michael Jordan in anything so I’m happy for Joel."
Against Lipscomb, Berry also became only the second Tar Heel to compile over 1,700 points, 400 rebounds and 400 assists joining only Walter Davis in that accomplishment.
The No. 2 seed Tar Heels will face No. 7 Texas A&M in the next round of the NCAA Tournament Sunday in Charlotte.
