Something had to give Tuesday night as the undefeated Tar Heels took on undefeated St. Bonaventure. The game was close for the majority of the game, but Carolina turned on the jets in the second half to get
out to a comfortable lead that they did not look back from on their way to an 85-70 win. It is the first time the Tar Heels have been 6-0 to start the season in nearly a decade.
The first half ended up being fairly evenly matched, thanks in part to Carolina’s 11 turnovers. The Tar Heels did hold a two-point halftime advantage after briefly surrendering the lead with just under six minutes to go in the half. UNC shot nearly 50% from the field in the first half, but kept shooting themselves in the foot with the giveaways. The turnovers were amplified by the fact that the Bonnies only turned it over four times in the first 20 minutes.
Carolina came out in the second half and steadily extended their lead, leading by as many as 20 in the half. They were much more careful with the ball in the second half, turning it over just twice after halftime. The Heels did have to play extended minutes in the second half without Kyan Evans, who was sidelined with foul trouble after picking up his fourth. Derek Dixon filled in admirably in Evans’ absence. UNC held a major advantage at the free throw line, going 21-27 to St Bonaventure’s five of eight. They made the most of the lopsided opportunity with the 78% mark.
Despite the fact that Caleb Wilson was not as efficient from the field as we’ve seen him, he absolutely feasted at the free throw line. He scored 10 of his points at the charity stripe to finish with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Henri Veesaar scored a career-high 24 points and finished with 13 rebounds. Evans and Luka Bogavac also finished in double figures with 11 and 10 points, respectively. It was another game in which Carolina did not get much offensive production from their bench. Dixon was the highest scoring bench player with five as they all combined for just 11 points.
UNC takes on 11th ranked Michigan State on Thanksgiving next time out.
