North Carolina jumped on N.C. State early, hitting four straight threes, and went on to a dominating 100-80 victory at home. (1/29)
The Tar Heels, who have shot poorly lately, were clicking as they hit 10 of 14 three-point attempts in the first half alone, when they shot 63 percent overall.
Brady Manek drilled a three in the first minute of the game, followed by two Caleb Love threes and a Leaky Black triple from the left wing that put Carolina up 14-5.
State never got closer than seven the rest of the way as sub Puff Johnson popped in a three from the right side to put the Heels in total command at 40-19. The largest lead of the half came when Manek dished low to Armando Bacot who dunked it for a 56-28 advantage.
Carolina, in control 56-31 at the half, led by as many as 35 points in the second half (73-38) before going cold as the Heels substituted freely.
UNC coach Hubert Davis said the offense will take care of itself when the Tar Heels defend, rebound and take care of the ball the way they did against the Wolfpack.
He noted Carolina’s 25 fastbreak points and nine blocks. “We were protecting the paint,” he said. “When we struggle, we are giving up points in the paint. We did a good job holding them to one shot.”
Four Tar Heels scored in double figures, led by Love’s 21 points. Bacot scored 18, pulled in 13 rebounds and swatted away six shots. Manek, who hit five threes, finished with 17 points as did R.J. Davis, who hit six of his eight shots.
State freshman Terquavion Smith had a season-high 34 points to keep the score halfway respectable for the Wolfpack, who drop to 10-12 overall and 3-7 in the ACC.
The Tar Heels, 12-0 at home, have now won 51 of their last 63 games against the Pack on a day where Carolina honored former Coach Roy Williams, who had a 38-5 record over N.C. State.
The Wolfpack has only two wins over their last 19 visits to Chapel Hill.
North Carolina, now 15-6 overall and 7-3 in the ACC, travels to Louisville Tuesday night.
For a boxscore and more on the game, please click here.
