UNC Men’s Basketball Triumphs in Exhibition Against Winston-Salem State

Bassyonni

ago 3 hours

UNC Men’s Basketball Triumphs in Exhibition Against Winston-Salem State

The University of North Carolina’s men’s basketball team showcased a strong performance in its final exhibition game, defeating Winston-Salem State 95-53 at the Dean Smith Center. This event, held on Wednesday night, highlighted significant aspects of the team’s preparation for the upcoming season.

Strong Second Half Sets the Tone

Initially, Carolina jumped to an 18-5 lead. However, Winston-Salem State managed to narrow the gap, entering halftime trailing 39-26. The Tar Heels struggled during the first half, shooting only 43.8% from the field and committing seven turnovers. In contrast, they dominated the second half, scoring 56 points to the Rams’ 27.

Head coach Hubert Davis acknowledged the team’s lack of energy in the first half. “The energy, effort, attention to detail wasn’t there in the first half. It was the exact opposite in the second half,” Davis said.

Improved Defense

Under Davis’s leadership, the Tar Heels focused on enhancing their defensive strategies during the offseason. This adjustment proved effective, as the defense held Winston-Salem State scoreless for the first 5 minutes and 38 seconds of the game. The Rams finished with a mere 28.2% shooting accuracy, hitting only 20 of 71 attempts.

Key Player Performances

Caleb Wilson: A standout freshman forward from Atlanta, Wilson led the team with 23 points, along with 10 rebounds and three blocks.
Kyan Evans: The Colorado State transfer struggled offensively, contributing only six points throughout the game.
Jarin Stevenson: The Alabama transfer impressed with 11 points, six rebounds, and two blocks, enhancing his candidacy for a starting position.

Concerns and Looking Ahead

While Veesaar performed reasonably well with 10 points, the backup center position remains a concern for Carolina. The effectiveness of his backup teammates, James Brown and Zayden High, will be crucial as the season progresses.

Fan frustration is growing over the status of Luka Bogavac, who did not participate due to ongoing issues related to his transcript. Despite being cleared by the NCAA, his absence is felt by many supporters, leading to chants of “Free Luka!” during the game.

Upcoming Regular Season Opener

The Tar Heels are set to officially kick off their season against Central Arkansas on Monday night at 7 p.m. at the Smith Center. With promising performances in the exhibition games, the team looks poised to make a strong start to the regular season.