GREENSBORO, N.C. — Greensboro First Horizon Coliseum saw North Carolina use a sharp second-half defense to beat Southern California 88-70 on Friday night in a preseason opener for both teams.
After halftime the Tar Heels pressured USC into missing 15 of its first 20 shots and forced 10 turnovers. Carolina surged with a 12-0 run and held the Trojans scoreless for nearly six minutes. USC shot 26.5 percent in the final 20 minutes while Carolina outscored them 51-31 after the break.
Jarin Stevenson posted a double-double with game highs of 25 points and 10 rebounds. Neo Avdalas added 15 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Isaiah Denis scored 14, and freshman Maximo Adams had 11 points and six boards in his debut. The UNC bench outscored USC reserves 35-5.
The night marked Michael Malone first public appearance as Tar Heel head coach since taking the job in April. Carolina took the lead for good at 56-53 on an Alex Samodurov three-pointer and led the final 10:42. USC got 22 points from Rodney Rice in the losing effort.
Greensboro again served as a neutral-site stage for high-profile college basketball, packing First Horizon Coliseum for an early look at Malone roster before the regular season opens Nov. 2.
Mayor Marikay Abuzuaiter city sports calendar routinely benefits when ACC programs bring exhibitions downtown, keeping Guilford County on the early-season basketball map. Carolina finished the night with a 51-31 second-half edge after trailing at intermission, a swing that showcased the defensive identity Malone wants before November tipoffs.
