CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WNCN) — North Carolina opened their season by putting on an offensive clinic at the Dean Smith Center, crushing Central Arkansas 94-54 in a game that was never competitive from the opening tip.
The Tar Heels jumped out to a commanding 51-23 halftime lead and never looked back, leading for nearly 39 minutes while Central Arkansas failed to hold a single lead throughout the contest.
North Carolina’s balanced attack featured five players in double figures, led by Caleb Wilson’s impressive 22-point performance on an efficient 8-of-10 shooting. Wilson dominated the paint, converting dunks and layups while also contributing defense with a block and a steal.
Kyan Evans added 15 points while dishing out five assists and recording four steals, showcasing his two-way impact. Henri Veesaar controlled the interior with 14 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double, while Seth Trimble contributed 12 points and four assists in the balanced effort.
The Tar Heels shot an impressive 50.8 percent from the field compared to Central Arkansas’s dismal 31.3 percent. North Carolina’s transition game was particularly devastating, outscoring the visitors 26-3 in fast break points. The Tar Heels also dominated the paint with a 46-20 advantage.
Cole McCormick led Central Arkansas with nine points, but the team struggled offensively all night, shooting just 27.6 percent from three-point range.
The 40-point margin represented North Carolina’s largest lead of the game, sending a strong message as the season progresses.