North Carolina Defeats Western Carolina 80-72 in Michael Malone's Debut
The Tar Heels survived a tough test from Western Carolina, exposing notable rebounding concerns in the season opener.
Matt Able scored 18 points to help lead the North Carolina Tar Heels to an 80-72 victory over Western Carolina on Monday night in Chapel Hill, securing a win in Michael Malone's coaching debut. Terrence Brown added 14 points and Neo Avdalas contributed 13 for the Tar Heels as they opened the season with a hard-fought victory.
The game marked the first time since Frank McGuire took over in 1952 that a UNC basketball coach assumed the role without having previously played for the program or served as an assistant on the staff. Malone spent 12 seasons as an NBA head coach, most notably leading the Denver Nuggets to the 2023 championship.
North Carolina struggled to pull away from the Catamounts, who were considered 22-point underdogs entering the contest. Western Carolina managed to cut the deficit to a single point twice during the second half before a crucial late-game sequence helped the Tar Heels secure breathing room.
The turning point arrived when Western Carolina guard Jaeden Roberts fouled out with 5:57 remaining on the clock. A subsequent technical foul and free-throw sequence generated a six-point swing for North Carolina, extending their lead to 69-62 and preventing an opening-night upset.
Despite the victory, familiar rebounding concerns from the preseason persisted for the Tar Heels. Western Carolina held a 41-32 advantage in total rebounds and nearly doubled North Carolina on the offensive glass with a 13-7 edge, translating into crucial second-chance opportunities.
Malone acknowledged the team's struggles on the boards following the game. "You do all that hard work, only to see the shot taken and now they get an extra opportunity," Malone said. "I think it's something where we just have to continue to harp on it, drill it, demand it."
Starting forwards Jarin Stevenson and Sayon Keita each finished the matchup with four rebounds. Malone emphasized the need for both players to secure between seven and ten boards every night as the Tar Heels prepare for upcoming matchups.
Looking ahead, North Carolina will host Wofford on Friday night at the Smith Center as they continue a six-game homestand to begin the new season.