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UNC Basketball Big Man Jalen Washington Throwing Block Parties

It's no coincidence that UNC basketball is surging at the same time as its starter at the five-spot.
Matt Giles|
UNC basketball forward Jalen Washington
UNC basketball forward Jalen Washington | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

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North Carolina Tar Heels

Jalen Washington has 12 blocks between the past three UNC basketball outings, coinciding with the Tar Heels' season-best winning streak.

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Those dozen swats are the most by a UNC basketball player in a three-game stretch since Brice Johnson recorded 13 across the Tar Heels' first three wins in the 2016 NCAA Tournament.

And without Washington's last of three blocks in Saturday's dramatic 63-61 road win over NC State (9-7, 2-3 ACC), it's highly possible that Hubert Davis' fourth batch of Tar Heels (11-6, 4-1 ACC) would now be reeling from a loss to the Wolfpack. After all, his rejection of Jayden Taylor in the lane and subsequent ball recovery sealed the victory as the clock struck zero.

The 20-year-old Indiana native's 21 blocks through 17 games as a junior already match his total in 37 games as a sophomore. Plus, note that Washington came away with only block between his 20 appearances as a freshman under Hubert Davis.

In addition to his Lenovo Center block party, Washington delivered the first double-double of his UNC basketball career with 11 points and 12 rebounds. He shot 4-for-6 from the field, including the game-winning dunk with 25 seconds remaining in the contest, plus 3-for-4 at the foul line.

"It definitely lifts it," Washington noted to North Carolina Tar Heels on SI in the locker room about what the win at NC State did for his team's momentum. "You know, we've got more games to play, and we see them again. So, we're gonna enjoy this W. But we're also going to prepare — take some time off and prepare for the next game."

UNC, now one of only five ACC squads with one loss or less, next hosts Cal (8-8, 1-4 ACC) at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday (ACC Network).

ALSO READ: Intel Varies in UNC Pursuit of Five-Star Prep Caleb Wilson

Stay tuned to North Carolina Tar Heels On SI for more UNC basketball news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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