UNC Triumphs Over USC Upstate in Solid Win
Caleb Wilson shone for the Tar Heels with yet another double-double, leading North Carolina to a convincing 80-62 victory over USC Upstate on Saturday. Alongside him, Jonathan Powell matched his personal best with 17 points.
From the start, UNC controlled the game. They shot 55.6% in the first half and went on a 14-0 run to build a solid lead going into halftime. Although USC Upstate managed to stay competitive for a while, a late push from the Tar Heels sealed the 18-point win.
Wilson stood out with 20 points and 11 rebounds, marking his seventh double-double this season. He’s been consistent, scoring in double figures in every game so far.
Powell’s performance impressed head coach Hubert Davis. “He not only made shots but also brought great energy and defense,” Davis said. Powell connected on three 3-pointers and displayed his skills throughout the game.
Luka Bogavac also contributed significantly, scoring 15 points and providing five assists. Henri Veesaar chipped in with 14 points and nine rebounds.
UNC’s shooting was efficient. They hit 50.9% as a team and held USC Upstate to 37.9%. Historically, under Coach Davis, the team has a strong record when limiting opponents to under 40% shooting, now standing at 51-4 in those games.
“Our defense wasn’t sharp at first, but we picked it up,” Powell reflected after the game. The Tar Heels improved their record to 9-1, remaining undefeated at home.
The team excelled at sharing the ball, tallying 20 assists on 28 baskets. Bogavac and Kyan Evans led the assists, showcasing the depth of talent on the roster.
How It Unfolded
In the first half, USC Upstate struggled at first but found their rhythm, briefly taking a 21-20 lead. However, the Tar Heels regained control, leading 32-21 after their decisive run. By halftime, they maintained a 41-30 lead.
The second half saw Carolina extend the lead to 68-52. Despite a brief resurgence from USC Upstate, UNC’s late-game dominance solidified their victory.
Historical Note
This match marked the first-ever meeting between UNC and USC Upstate in men’s basketball. With this win, UNC improved to 496-90 at the Smith Center, solidifying their home-court advantage.
As UNC prepares for their next game against East Tennessee State, fans can expect continued growth from this young and talented team. The Tar Heels are showing promise, and the excitement around the program is palpable.
For those interested, you can find more information on college basketball statistics and trends on NCAA’s official site.
