It could have been a trap game for North Carolina – playing an unheralded but undefeated Hawaii team prior to taking part in the Maui Invitational. But the Tar Heels broke open a close contest early in the second half and went on to win 87-69.
Elliot Cadeau picked up two quick fouls to start the game and missed 13 minutes sitting on the bench. As a result, 5th year senior RJ Davis took over, scoring 14 in the first half to give the Tar Heels an uncomfortable 41-34 halftime lead.
“The guys reacted well to a sell-out crowd and an undefeated team,” UNC coach Hubert Davis said. “I challenged them at the half in the locker room that it had to be a different story in the second half.”
A 19-4 run early in the second half put Carolina in control at 60-40 with 13:50 to go. Cadeau and Seth Trimble turned the accelerator on to lead the rush.
During the run, Trimble picked up a steal and got it up court to Cadeau for a layup that put up the Heels up by 14. Then Cadeau returned the favor by stealing the ball and getting it to Trimble for a dunk that gave UNC an 18-point lead.
The lead never got below 12 the rest of the way as Carolina worked the margin up to 21 at 78-57 on a spinning shot in the lane by transfer Cade Tyson, who had perhaps his best game as a Tar Heel.
Coach Davis praised Tyson for his defense and his aggressiveness which included a baseline drive dunk and a three from the corner on his way to nine points.
It was the guards that led the way on this night though as Davis had a game-high 18 points while Cadeau, in only 23 minutes, tallied 17 and Trimble, who hit six free throws, finished with 13.
Ian Jackson managed to also reach double figures with six free throws of his own on the way to 11 points.
Forcing turnovers and getting out on the fast break helped Carolina keep Hawaii, who out rebounded the Heels 40-27, at bay. The Heels had a 19-0 advantage on the fastbreak and a 17-5 edge in points off turnovers.
Hawaii, led by Gytis Nemeiksa’s 16 points and 10 rebounds, fall to 4-1.
Carolina, now 3-1, take on Dayton in the first round of the Maui Invitational Monday at 11:30 p.m. The Hawaii game started at 12:35 a.m Saturday and ended at 2:40 a.m.
For a box score, please click here.