Wilson and Powell Propel Team to 80-62 Victory Over USC Upstate

In a decisive game, the 14th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels secured an 80-62 victory over USC Upstate on Saturday afternoon at the Smith Center. The win marked the team’s ninth of the season, improving their record to 9-1, including a perfect 7-0 at home.

Key Performers and Game Highlights

Caleb Wilson led the Tar Heels with a standout performance, scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. This achievement marked his seventh double-double of the season, solidifying his status as a key player in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Jonathan Powell also made significant contributions, matching his career-high with 17 points. His shooting was impressive, making 6 of 9 attempts from the field and 3 of 6 from three-point range. This performance was his first double-figure scoring effort as a Tar Heel.

Additional Contributions

• Luka Bogavac added 15 points and dished out five assists.
• Henri Veesaar posted 14 points and nine rebounds, showcasing his versatility.
• Teamwise, North Carolina shot 50.9% from the floor while limiting USC Upstate to just 37.9%.

Game Breakdown

First Half Analysis

The Tar Heels set the tone early, commanding a solid lead with a 14-0 scoring run. Carolina finished the first half leading 32-21, driven by their effective shooting, hitting 55.6% of their shots. USC Upstate, despite struggling early, managed to stay competitive with six three-pointers.

Second Half Developments

In the second half, North Carolina increased their lead to as much as 68-52. USC Upstate attempted a comeback with an 8-0 run but could not maintain the momentum. The Tar Heels responded decisively, extending their lead in the final minutes to finish 80-62.

Team Statistics and Coach Insights

The Tar Heels had a total of 20 assists on 28 made baskets, reflecting solid teamwork and ball distribution. Coach Hubert Davis expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, especially in sharing the ball effectively. Under his guidance, UNC holds an impressive 51-4 record when restricting opponents to under 40% shooting and has improved to 66-9 when scoring 80 or more points.

Noteworthy Records

This matchup was the inaugural meeting between Carolina and USC Upstate. With this victory, North Carolina’s record in the Smith Center now stands at 496-90, including an impressive 239-19 against non-conference rivals.

Looking Ahead

The Tar Heels will look to continue their winning streak in their next game against East Tennessee State on Tuesday night at 8 p.m., to be broadcast on the ACC Network.