In their last non-conference matchup of the season, UNC beat East Carolina 99-51 on Monday. The team improved to 12-1 this season as they continue to have one of the best starts to the season they’ve had in quite some time.
Hubert Davis pulled his starters with over six minutes left in the game, but the Tar Heel bench helped extend the lead with a 17-5 run to close it out. All but three players were able to score as part of the win. Caleb Wilson led the team with 21 points and 12 rebounds. He became
the first UNC freshman to score 20 or more points in five straight games since Phil Ford. Henri Veesaar made four of his five attempts from long distance on his way to 16 points and 10 rebounds. Luka Bogavac had 15 points and Seth Trimble also finished in double figures with 12.
The Tar Heels shot 54% from the field and held ECU to 26%. The Pirates, who struggle to shoot from three, made just two of their 22 attempts. East Carolina also turned the ball over 17 times which led directly to 26 points for the Heels. ECU started with the first two points of the game on free throws before Carolina went on a 12-0 run. Carolina was relentless as they built a 49-26 halftime lead. They doubled up the Pirates in the second half, 50-25.
It was good to get an easy game after the nail biter against Ohio State on Saturday. Free throws continue to be an issue for this team, and it’s likely that it’ll cost them at some point this season, but they’ve found a way to walk the tightrope well enough in their close games to this point. It will also be interesting to continue monitoring how Davis manages the point guard position moving forward. Kyan Evans’ minutes have dwindled in favor of Derek Dixon with Evans playing just 17 minutes in this game. Neither has lit up the box score consistently when it comes to scoring, but their teammates have made it a non-factor. Still, there’s something there to watch as the meat of the season rolls on.
UNC takes a break for Christmas before they kick off ACC play on December 30th against Florida State in Chapel Hill.
