Tar Heels Rout NCCU in Home Opener
CHAPEL HILL, N.C.- The North Carolina Tar Heels made a statement with a 69-point victory, winning 109-40 in their home season opener against the North Carolina Central University Eagles at Carmichael Arena
North Carolina Tar Heels came out firing, putting up 30 points in the opening quarter while holding NCCU to just 11 points. The Tar Heels’ defensive pressure made it difficult for the Eagles to establish any offensive rhythm. Carolina continued their impressive performance in the second quarter, outscoring NCCU 24–4 and holding them scoreless for the last six minutes of the second quarter. The Carolina Tar Heels delivered a dominant first-half performance against North Carolina Central, taking a commanding 54–15 lead into the locker room. UNC controlled the game from tip-off, using an aggressive offense, decisive perimeter shooting, and tight defense to put the Eagles in a difficult position.
North Carolina continued to overwhelm the Eagles with its offensive firepower, moving the ball effectively and finding open looks from the perimeter. The Tar Heels knocked down 18 three-pointers, shooting an impressive 56% from the field. Defensively, UNC made life difficult for NC Central, forcing turnovers and limiting the Eagles to just 30% shooting overall. The Tar Heels also controlled the rebounding battle, finishing with a commanding 45–21 advantage.
The Heels had five players score in double figures. Nyla Brooks led the team in scoring, collecting 17 points, two rebounds, and two assists. Kate Harpring had 16 points, five rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Achol Akot finished with 15 points, six rebounds, seven assists, and a steal. Blanca Thomas contributed 12 points, seven rebounds, and two assists. Lastly, in double figures was Laila Hull, who finished with 13 points, two assists, two blocks, a steal, and a rebound.
North Carolina put together an exceptional all-around performance, dominating both ends of the floor from start to finish. UNC’s 30 assists, compared to just five turnovers, show how efficiently the team played on offense. The Tar Heels showed depth, shooting, defensive pressure, and outstanding ball movement.
Shrouq Amer scored a season-high 16 points for NCCU.
The Eagles fell to 2-3 overall while the 23rd-ranked Tar Heels improved to 1-2 overall.
Amer shot 6 of 11 from the floor and 4 of 4 from the free throw line. The NCCU center added a block and a steal for the Eagles.
Victoria Morris added nine points, Eboni Clay chipped in seven points and Keileen Thompson-Edwards contributed five points. Aaliyah Grant grabbed a team-high six rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Eagles will visit George Mason on Saturday, Nov. 14, in Fairfax, Va., at 3 p.m.
Coming up this Saturday, November 14th, the Tar Heels are back in action as they travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, at 4:00pm to take on the Pennsylvania Quakers.