CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — The North Carolina Tar Heels continued their winning streak, defeating East Carolina 99-51 for their sixth consecutive victory. The team’s performance stood out, especially with double-doubles from Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar, further solidifying UNC’s strong start this season.
Wilson shone with 21 points and 12 rebounds, marking his ninth double-double in just 13 games. He also matched his season high with four blocked shots. Meanwhile, Veesaar scored 16 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, hitting a career-high four three-pointers. Together, they have achieved this feat six times already this season, tying for the fourth-most double-doubles by a duo in UNC history after just 13 games.
Carolina’s record now stands at 12-1, their best start since the 2007-2008 season. This win comes as a boost for the team after a strong performance, especially on defense—holding their opponents to just 26% shooting. In fact, UNC has a remarkable record of 54-4 when limiting opponents to under 40% shooting under head coach Hubert Davis.
East Carolina, falling to 5-8, struggled to keep up. Coach Mike Schwartz acknowledged UNC’s dominance, noting how their length and strength in the paint were overwhelming.
Seth Trimble made his presence felt too, scoring 12 points and providing five assists, while Luka Bogavac snapped out of a slump with 15 points. Giovanni Emejuru led the Pirates, putting up 21 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in a losing effort.
UNC’s aggressive play style shone through, especially in their fast break, where they outscored ECU 17-0. Coach Davis praised the team’s ability to run the floor and share the ball, highlighting their recent trend of achieving 20 or more assists in four straight games. This level of teamwork reflects the Tar Heels’ focus on both offense and defense.
Historical performance adds context here. The last time a UNC team held its first 13 opponents under 75 points was back in the 1985-1986 season. This consistency speaks to the team’s defensive strategy, which has evolved under Davis.
In terms of statistics, the Tar Heels led by 23 points at halftime and continued to pull away in the second half. Their shooting percentage was an impressive 54%, showcasing their efficient offensive execution. In total, eight different players hit three-pointers, tying a school record.
As North Carolina prepares for their next matchup against Florida State in January, the team appears well-positioned for continued success this season. With a balance of strong individual performances and solid teamwork, the Tar Heels are looking to make waves as they dive into conference play.
For more insights on college basketball trends and statistics, check out reputable sources like the NCAA’s official site.
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