UNC vs Cal - Mar 21st, 1997 - Carrier Dome - East - Regional Semifinal

North Carolina survived a tough test from California in the 1997 NCAA Tournament East Regional Semifinal, winning 63–57 at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse. After trailing in the second half, the top-seeded Tar Heels rallied behind Antawn Jamison, who scored 15 of his points after halftime, and closed the game on a decisive late run. Despite being out-rebounded and facing a Cal team playing without injured star Ed Gray, UNC’s defense and execution down the stretch secured the Sweet Sixteen victory and a trip to the Elite Eight.