Carolina took down Radford with a solid 89-74 win, maintaining a perfect 3-0 start to the season. Luka Bogavac led the scoring with 19 points, while Henri Veesaar chipped in with 18.
Unfortunately, the team played without Seth Trimble due to a broken forearm he sustained during practice. His absence shuffled the lineup, and Jarin Stevenson also had to step back after a hard fall, leaving the Tar Heels to mix up their combinations on the court.
Bogavac filled the gap created by Trimble’s injury and made his mark as a starter early in his Tar Heel career. While his shooting wasn’t at its best—7 for 18 from the field and 3 for 11 from three-point range—his ability to handle the ball and create opportunities was evident. Experts believe that players who can adapt their game often excel in high-pressure situations, and Bogavac fits this bill perfectly.
As a team, Carolina struggled with their shooting, finishing the night at 38.5% overall and only 25.8% from beyond the arc. Yet, they showed promise with their ball movement, logging 15 assists on 25 baskets. Even though they had trouble converting open looks, this could improve as the season progresses.
In this game, foul trouble was a point of contention, leading to 80 total free throw attempts. The home crowd responded with frustration, but it did result in complimentary cookies for fans—a light moment amid the tension. It’s worth noting that teams who utilize free throws effectively often see success, as evidenced by recent NCAA stats where successful free throws correlate with higher win percentages.
During the halftime interview, Brad Frederick noted Veesaar’s important role in stabilizing the team. He played a key part in keeping the Tar Heels focused, contributing 11 points before the break. His consistency reflects a broader pattern seen in players who excel in crucial moments—they often become the backbone of their teams.
Despite some initial struggles, Carolina managed to finish the first half strong, outscoring Radford 21-9 in the final stretch. Caleb Wilson had an off night, making only four of his 13 shots, but still managed a double-double with 13 points and 14 rebounds. It’s a testament to his potential that even on a bad shooting night, he made a significant impact.
The new challenge rules in men’s basketball also played a role, with Radford experimenting with their first challenge of the season, though it ultimately cost them a timeout. This will add a strategic layer to games moving forward as teams learn to navigate these new rules.
Kyan Evans, while not flashy statistically, is becoming a crucial player for Carolina, helping push the pace. Teams that can maintain momentum often have an edge, and Evans seems to embody this philosophy. His role could be crucial as the season unfolds.
Last but not least, Carolina’s backup center position is still in search of a reliable option. James Brown showed glimpses of promise in the second half, but fouls continue to complicate matters. Zayden High is another hopeful in that slot, contributing solid minutes, though Carolina needs more assertive play in this area.
Currently ranked 18th nationally, the Tar Heels will take on North Carolina Central in their next home game, with expectations high as they seek to build on their strong start.
