Despite some defensive lapses, the Tar Heels overcame a determined USC Upstate squad to secure an 80-62 victory on Saturday afternoon in Chapel Hill. North Carolina improved to 9-1 on the season, but the game was far from a walk in the park.
UNC jumped out to an early 7-0 lead, looking poised to control the pace from the opening tip. The Heels executed their offense efficiently, moving the ball and finding early opportunities near the rim. At first glance, it seemed like another dominant home win in what has been a strong start to the season for Hubert Davis’ squad.
However, the Spartans weren’t going to go quietly. After falling behind, USC Upstate responded with a 7-3 run, showing they were capable of making shots and staying competitive. The game began to take on a more unpredictable tone, leaving fans on edge for the first time this season.
Things got particularly interesting when USC Upstate’s Tyler Smith knocked down a three-pointer to put the Spartans ahead 21-18. For a moment, it felt less like a likely UNC victory and more like a game that would test the Heels’ resolve. The Spartans were shooting efficiently from beyond the arc, despite being limited inside by UNC’s size and interior defense.
The Heels responded with composure, going on a critical 12-0 run to regain control of the game. By halftime, they had carved out a nine-point lead at 37-28. The run was a mix of defensive stops, fast-break opportunities, and sharp shooting from the perimeter, allowing UNC to enter the locker room with momentum despite some early scares.
In the second half, the game settled into a stalemate for large stretches. USC Upstate’s perimeter shooting cooled slightly, but they continued to make enough plays to remain in striking distance. It was clear that North Carolina could not afford to let their guard down, even against a team that might not have the same national attention as other ACC opponents.
Caleb Wilson took over in a big way during the second half. Scoring 12 of his game-high 20 points after the break, Wilson showed why he is quickly becoming one of the most intriguing players in the country. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ forced the Spartans into constant adjustments, including repeated double-teams whenever he operated along the baseline.
Wilson’s ability to find open teammates when double-teamed was a key factor in the Heels’ victory. Each time the Spartans collapsed on him, he made the right read, delivering pinpoint passes to open shooters who consistently converted. This level of play is turning heads not only in Chapel Hill but among NBA scouts evaluating potential future stars.
Jonathan Powell also made his presence felt down the stretch. With 4:19 left in the game, USC Upstate’s Isaiah Skinner made a three-pointer to cut the lead to eight. Powell responded immediately with a three of his own, sparking a 12-2 run that effectively put the game out of reach. Powell’s timely scoring and energy underscored the depth of the Tar Heels roster.
Despite the win, UNC had some issues on the glass. The Spartans managed to pull down 11 offensive rebounds, which is impressive given UNC’s size advantage. At times, it seemed like the Heels lacked the intensity and focus needed to dominate the boards completely. While it didn’t alter the outcome, it is likely something Hubert Davis will address in practice this week.
Defensively, UNC tightened up when it mattered most. The Spartans went nearly four minutes without scoring in the final stretch, a testament to the Tar Heels’ ability to clamp down when the game was on the line. This late defensive effort helped secure the comfortable margin of victory, even if some of the earlier lapses were concerning.
The win also highlighted the continued growth of North Carolina’s young core. Caleb Wilson, in particular, has shown remarkable consistency in both scoring and rebounding. His ability to handle pressure, make plays for others, and deliver in critical moments makes him a matchup nightmare for ACC opponents.
Henri Veesaar’s presence in the post added another layer of difficulty for USC Upstate. Opposing defenses have to account for both Wilson and Veesaar, which opens up opportunities for perimeter players and keeps the offense balanced. This combination could prove lethal as the Heels enter conference play in the coming weeks.
Overall, while the victory was far from flawless, the Tar Heels showed resilience and adaptability. They were able to overcome a pesky opponent, execute in key moments, and rely on the rising talents of their roster to pull away late. With a record now at 9-1, UNC is sending a message to the ACC: they are ready to compete at a high level, but there are still lessons to be learned.
Saturday’s game was a reminder that even when a team is talented, attention to detail and consistency are crucial. UNC has the pieces to be special this season, but they will need to continue improving both defensively and on the boards if they want to maintain their winning ways.
