Tar Heels Dominate Rams in 95-53 Victory
In a dominant display, the North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the Winston-Salem State Rams 95-53 in a preseason game held at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Freshman Caleb Wilson shone brightly, achieving a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds, showcasing his potential early in the season.
Game Highlights and Player Performance
Wilson’s impressive performance included 17 points in the first half, and he shot 9 of 13 from the field. He expressed his goal of maintaining twenty points and ten rebounds each game. “I work really hard, so confidence is going to come with it,” Wilson stated post-game. “I feel like I’m one of the best players in the country.”
After a previous narrow loss to BYU, the Tar Heels bounced back strongly. Twelve players contributed to the score, with four scoring in double figures. Notable performances included:
- Jarin Stevenson: 11 points, 6 rebounds
- Henri Veesaar: 10 points
- Seth Trimble: 10 points
- Jaydon Young: 9 points, including three successive three-pointers
First Half Overview
The Rams struggled against the Tar Heels’ defense, shooting a mere 28.6% in the first half. Carolina established a swift lead, going up 18-5 early. The Tar Heels ended the half leading 39-26 despite a rocky shooting performance from beyond the arc.
Second Half Dominance
Carolina surged ahead in the second half, quickly extending their lead to 20 points. They improved their shooting significantly, making 7 of their first 9 attempts and hitting 9 of 20 three-pointers for 45% accuracy in the half. The final score reflected the Tar Heels’ persistent defense and efficient offensive play.
Coaching Insights and Future Game
Head coach Hubert Davis noted the team’s energy and effort increased after halftime. “It was the exact opposite in the second half,” he remarked. The Tar Heels are now set to continue their season against Central Arkansas on Monday, November 6, 2023, at the Smith Center.
Conclusion
This preseason victory not only showcased the talent of the Tar Heels but also set a hopeful tone for the regular season ahead. With players like Wilson leading the way, fans can look forward to an exciting year of basketball.
