UNC Pulls Off an 80-62 Victory Over USC Upstate While Struggling on the Boards and Facing Unexpected Challenges
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina survived a test from USC Upstate on Saturday afternoon, pulling away for an 80-62 victory to improve to 9-1 on the season. While the win added another notch in the Tar Heels’ early-season success, star freshman Caleb Wilson made it clear there was one area of concern he couldn’t ignore: rebounding.
The game started as expected, with UNC jumping out to a 7-0 lead in the opening minutes. The Tar Heels looked sharp offensively, moving the ball with purpose and creating scoring opportunities early. For a brief moment, fans at the Smith Center could envision a comfortable afternoon, but USC Upstate wasn’t ready to roll over.
The Spartans responded with a 7-3 run, showing they could compete and make shots. Things escalated when Tyler Smith of USC Upstate drained a three-pointer to give the Spartans a 21-18 lead. At that point, what had looked like an easy UNC win began to feel like a game that would test the Heels’ composure and resilience.
USC Upstate’s perimeter shooting continued to challenge UNC in the first half. Despite UNC’s size advantage limiting shots in the paint, the Spartans were finding openings from beyond the arc. North Carolina responded with a decisive 12-0 run to regain the lead, allowing the Heels to take a 37-28 advantage into halftime. The run was fueled by a combination of defensive stops, transition baskets, and timely three-pointers.
The second half started with more of the same: a tense back-and-forth rhythm that kept fans on edge. While USC Upstate cooled down from the perimeter, they were still competitive enough to keep the game within reach. UNC could not afford lapses in focus, particularly on defense and the glass.
Caleb Wilson, however, began to take over in the second half. Scoring 12 of his game-high 20 points after halftime, Wilson proved why he is one of the most exciting young players in college basketball. He also contributed 11 rebounds, marking another double-double performance and showing consistency on both ends of the floor.
The Spartans frequently double-teamed Wilson when he operated along the baseline, but he responded with smart passing, finding open teammates on the perimeter. Each assist he made converted into points, keeping UNC’s offense flowing and forcing USC Upstate to adjust their defense continuously.
Jonathan Powell played a key supporting role down the stretch. With 4:19 left, Isaiah Skinner of USC Upstate hit a three-pointer to cut the lead to eight, but Powell quickly answered with a three of his own. That basket sparked a 12-2 run that effectively put the game out of reach and showcased the depth and poise of the Tar Heels’ roster.
Despite the victory, UNC struggled on the boards, allowing USC Upstate to grab 11 offensive rebounds. For a team known for its size and presence inside, this was an unusual vulnerability. The rebounding issue will likely be a point of emphasis for coach Hubert Davis in upcoming practices.
Defensively, UNC tightened up in key moments. USC Upstate went nearly four minutes without scoring late in the game, thanks to aggressive rotations and timely help defense. This defensive stretch helped UNC seal the win, even if earlier lapses had left fans and players uneasy.
Henri Veesaar added another layer of difficulty for the Spartans, dominating the paint and creating mismatches. His presence alongside Wilson made it increasingly difficult for USC Upstate to defend, opening up scoring chances for UNC’s perimeter players. The combination of Wilson and Veesaar is shaping up to be a major problem for ACC opponents as conference play approaches.
The win also highlighted the growth of UNC’s young core. Wilson’s continued improvement, both in scoring and facilitating for teammates, underscores his potential to become one of the team’s go-to options this season. With more games under his belt, Wilson is proving he can carry the offense while also contributing defensively.
While the game was far from flawless, the Tar Heels demonstrated resilience. They were able to overcome a pesky opponent, adjust to challenges mid-game, and rely on their star freshman to push the team forward. Fans left the arena knowing that while UNC’s record is now 9-1, there is still work to be done to maintain consistency.
Saturday’s matchup served as a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough. Attention to detail, focus on the boards, and maintaining defensive intensity are areas the Tar Heels must address moving forward. Despite these minor concerns, North Carolina is firmly sending a message: they are a team capable of adapting, learning, and thriving under pressure.
