UNC Tar Heels Take Down USC Upstate 80–62; Coach Hubert Davis Emphasizes Effort, Preparation, and Team Growth
Chapel Hill, NC – December 13, 2025 – The North Carolina Tar Heels continued their strong start to the season with an 80–62 victory over USC Upstate at the Dean E. Smith Center. The win improves UNC’s record to 9–1 and highlights the team’s growing depth and competitiveness under Head Coach Hubert Davis.
While the final score suggested a comfortable win, Davis made it clear after the game that preparation, effort, and attention to detail remain critical priorities for his team.
Jonathan Powell Shines Off the Bench
One of the standout performers for UNC was Jonathan Powell, who came off the bench to score 17 points, including three timely three-pointers. Coach Davis praised Powell’s impact on both ends of the floor:
> “He went three for six from three. That’s huge. We need shooting… So him stepping up and making three threes in our game and shooting it efficiently is amazing for us. It helps us a lot.”
Powell’s performance provided scoring punch when the Tar Heels needed it most and showcased his ability to stretch the floor, a key component in UNC’s offensive game plan. Beyond his scoring, Davis highlighted Powell’s competitive defense, underscoring the value of contributions that extend beyond the stat sheet.
Practice and Preparation: The Core Message
Even after the win, Davis stressed that consistent preparation is non-negotiable.
> “I just didn’t feel like the practices leading up to the game were at the level of attention to detail that is required… what you control every day are the non‑negotiables.”
For Davis, practice sets the tone for games. Every drill, defensive rotation, and ball-handling exercise is designed to ensure players are ready for the physical and mental demands of the season. His emphasis on preparation signals that he expects sustained excellence, not just flashes of performance.
Bench Contributions and Hustle Matter
Davis also praised the efforts of role players like Jaydon Young, who provided energy, defensive rotations, and hustle plays, including diving for loose balls that shifted momentum.
> “Those plays may not show up on the stat sheet, but they change the rhythm of the game. Energy and effort are contagious,” Davis said.
This approach highlights Davis’s philosophy: every player on the roster has a role, and contributions from the bench are just as vital as those from starters.
Seth Trimble’s Road to Return
Senior guard Seth Trimble continues to make progress toward a full return after an injury. Davis reported that Trimble is doing everything in practice except full contact, signaling positive momentum for UNC’s depth chart.
Trimble’s eventual return could provide additional scoring, leadership, and ball-handling stability — key assets for the team as it navigates tough ACC competition.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Strengths and Areas of Focus
The win against USC Upstate underscored several strengths for UNC:
Balanced Scoring: Caleb Wilson dominated inside, while Powell provided scoring from the perimeter.
Depth: Bench players contributed meaningfully, showcasing the strength of UNC’s rotation.
Preparation and Fundamentals: Davis continues to emphasize consistent practice and attention to detail.
Health Updates: Progress on Trimble’s recovery will bolster the team in the coming weeks.
Yet, Davis made it clear that consistency remains the primary goal. Even after a comfortable victory, the coach challenged his players to bring intensity and focus to every practice and every game.
Coach Davis on the Process
Davis’s postgame message wasn’t just about wins and losses. It was about building a team that thrives on preparation, effort, and teamwork. His approach emphasizes the importance of the process — not just the scoreboard — as a foundation for sustained success.
> “It’s not just about who scores or who doesn’t. It’s about how we prepare, how we compete, and how we grow together as a team,” Davis said.
For UNC, the path to ACC success and a deep NCAA Tournament run will rely on these fundamentals. With a talented roster, emerging role players, and a coach who emphasizes the process over the outcome, the Tar Heels look poised to compete at the highest level this season.
Final Score: UNC 80, USC Upstate 62
Next Game: UNC vs. [Next Opponent TBD], at the Dean E. Smith Center
