North Carolina's Kennedy Meeks (3) shoots as Providence's Tyler Harris (25) defends during their second-round game in the NCAA basketball tournament Friday, March 21, 2014, in San Antonio.

SAN ANTONIO - James Michael McAdoo sank two free throws in the final 3.5 seconds, and No. 6 seed North Carolina rallied to beat 11th-seeded Providence 79-77 Friday night.

Providence's Bryce Cotton scored a career-high 36 points and made one dazzling shot after another down the stretch. But he also fumbled a long rebound in the final moments, robbing the Friars of a chance for a last-second miracle.

Had North Carolina (24-9) lost, it would've been the first time since 1979 the Tar Heels and rival Duke lost on the same day of the tournament.

The Blue Devils fell earlier to 14th-seeded Mercer, and the Friars nearly handed North Carolina a similar stunner.

Marcus Paige led North Carolina with 19 points.