SYRACUSE, N.Y. — It took some explosives to blast Carolina out of its offensive struggles, a couple delivered by freshman running back Demon June.
Tag: NCAA
Young Tar Heels flashes, grit and growth, but can’t overcome No. 2 Gamecocks
ATLANTA — The young No. 11 Tar Heels already knew that they would give a significant preseason test against No. 2 South Carolina, and it got even tougher with two key players sitting at the end of the bench.
Wilson shows star stuff with power, poise and potential
CHAPEL HILL — The ball slipped away for a split second, but Caleb Wilson wasn’t about to let that stand. Wilson snatched it back, gathered himself and launched a violent dunk over Winston-Salem State’s Abou Camara on a baseline drive that rattled the basket and sent the Smith Center crowd into a frenzy.
Stevenson brings defensive versatility, offensive aggressiveness to Heels
CHAPEL HILL — When Jarin Stevenson slipped on a North Carolina jersey for the first time at the Smith Center, it wasn’t just a homecoming — it was a chance to show Tar Heels fans his defensive prowess.
Lopez blocks out ‘noise,’ focuses on growth amid criticism
CHAPEL HILL — As UNC quarterback Gio Lopez continues to navigate a challenging season, he’s faced mounting criticism from fans and media. But Lopez isn’t letting the “noise” shake his confidence or distract him from the work ahead.
Belichick preaches incremental progress, eliminating mistakes at Syracuse as Heels try to end skid
CHAPEL HILL — As UNC prepares for Friday night’s ACC matchup at Syracuse, Coach Bill Belichick continues to emphasize a philosophy rooted in steady, incremental improvement.
Tough start for Johnson in Denver, but big games from Barnes, Sharpe, other Tar Heels in first week
While it’s been a frustrating start for Cam Johnson with his new team in Denver, there have been some outstanding games during the first week of the season from Cole Anthony, Harrison Barnes, Walker Kessler and Day’Ron Sharpe.
How to watch UNC men’s exhibition, follow women’s exhibition this week
Just like with the exhibition game against BYU last week, you won’t be able to flip to a television channel and watch North Carolina’s men’s exhibition game Wednesday night against Winston-Salem State.
Preseason paths after UNC: Tyson thrives, Cadeau impresses, Jackson struggles; Lubin has big game
They are only exhibition games, so it’s not wise to draw sweeping conclusions from the results. But three players who played for North Carolina last season — Cade Tyson, Elliot Cadeau and Ian Jackson — have certainly had contrasting preseasons.
Good, Bad and Ugly Report: Virginia
Twenty years ago, the last time a ranked Virginia team faced an unranked North Carolina squad, the result was a 7–5 rock fight that ranks among the worst games in ACC football history. History did not quite repeat itself as the rock fight between the Tar Heels and Cavaliers did not rise (or sink) to the level of the 2005 tilt in Kenan Stadium; it was far from a thing of beauty.
Close again, but not enough; Belichick ‘just trying to win the game’
North Carolina continues to lose in heartbreaking fashion, this time missing a potential game-winning two-point conversion by inches. After matching Virginia’s touchdown in the first overtime, the Tar Heels went for two and quarterback Gio Lopez passed to Benjamin Hall, whose knee went down just before he got the ball over the goal line.
Veesaar refuses to call loss “March-level” matchup, says Tar Heels must be better
SALT LAKE CITY — Arizona transfer Henri Veesaar wasn’t ready to hand out compliments after No. 25 North Carolina’s 78–76 exhibition loss to No. 8 BYU on Friday night. The 7-foot center put up 14 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals, and a block — but his focus was squarely on what went wrong, not how close the game was.
UNC nearly pulls upset despite turnovers; Wilson puts on show
SALT LAKE CITY — There was plenty to like as No. 25 North Carolina battled No. 8 BYU down to the wire, but too many careless turnovers kept the Tar Heels from pulling off an exhibition upset Friday night.
Confident, stronger Toomey eager for fresh start after frustrating freshman season
For Ciera Toomey, the word that defines her redshirt sophomore season will be confidence.
Thomas ready for bigger role for UNC after huge front-court offseason losses
With Alyssa Ustby and Maria Gakdeng gone, center Blanca Thomas knows the expectations are rising and a big sophomore leap will be needed if No. 11 North Carolina is going to come close to being as good inside as last season.
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