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 second-half 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 points, and freshman Maximo Adams had 11 points and six boards in his Tar Heel 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. Southern Cal led 39-37 at halftime before the Tar Heels pulled away.
The same Friday tip at First Horizon Coliseum also featured a 12-0 second-half surge and a Stevenson 25-point, 10-rebound night as UNC closed the exhibition with a clear defensive identity.
Mayor Marikay Abuzuaiter city sports calendar routinely benefits when ACC programs bring exhibitions downtown, keeping Guilford County on the early-season basketball map before the Carolina regular-season opener on Nov. 2 at the Smith Center.
