UNC Caps Exhibition Games with Strong 3-Point Performance
North Carolina’s exhibition season concluded with an impressive display of 3-point shooting, marking a significant turnaround from previous games. The Tar Heels defeated Winston-Salem State 95-53 at the Smith Center, showcasing their ability from beyond the arc.
Strong 3-Point Performance
In the second half of the game, UNC made nine 3-pointers, contributing to a dominant performance. Jarin Stevenson, a forward for the Tar Heels, emphasized the importance of fast breaks and team support in achieving this level of success beyond the arc. “Forcing turnovers and pushing the ball up the court really helped us find our rhythm,” Stevenson stated.
Previous Struggles from Long Range
Prior to this game, North Carolina struggled significantly against BYU, managing only 4-for-19 from 3-point range in a narrow 78-76 defeat. The team’s shooting woes included several players who went scoreless beyond the arc, a stark contrast to their performance against Winston-Salem State.
Halftime Adjustments
After a lackluster first half where UNC shot 3-for-12 from 3-point range, the team stepped up its game in the second half, shooting 9-for-20. This improvement allowed the Tar Heels to outscore the Rams 56-27 after halftime. Coach Hubert Davis noted that the team’s 3-point shooting improved due to better ball movement and shot selection.
Player Highlights
- Jarin Stevenson: 2-for-3 from three
- Kyan Evans: 2-for-4 from three
- Jonathan Powell: 2-for-6 from three
- Young: 3-for-6 from three
- Henri Veesaar: 1-for-1 from three
- Zayden High: 1-for-2 from three
- Derek Dixon: 1-for-4 from three
Seven different players contributed to the scoring from beyond the arc. Notably, Young made three consecutive 3-pointers within 99 seconds, showcasing UNC’s depth. His success reflected a team effort, with Powell, Wilson, and Dixon providing critical assists during that sequence.
