UNC Men’s Basketball Defeats NCCU,Approaches Historic Win Milestone
CHAPEL HILL,N.C. – The University of North Carolina tar Heels men’s basketball team secured a 101-65 victory over North Carolina Central University on Friday, November 17, 2023, at the Dean E. Smith Center. The win moves the program to 2,399 all-time victories,one shy of becoming the third college basketball program to reach 2,400 wins,joining Kansas and Kentucky.
Head coach Hubert Davis expressed frustration with the team’s execution following a timeout during the first half. Carolina committed ten turnovers in the first half, though significantly improved thier ball security in the second, finishing the game with zero turnovers in the final 20 minutes.
The game provided an chance to experiment with different lineups, including a prolonged stretch featuring both RJ Evans and Derek Dixon in the backcourt. Dixon contributed nine points, shooting 3-of-5 from three-point range.
UNC reserves also saw extended playing time in the final eight minutes. Zayden High scored 11 points and grabbed two rebounds in 13 minutes, while Jonathan Powell added nine points and four rebounds in 19 minutes, posting a team-best +21 plus/minus rating among reserves. John Holbrook, a North Carolina native and lifelong Tar heel fan, recorded an offensive rebound and a free throw. Evan Smith also scored a basket and made a free throw.
Prior to tip-off, Coach Davis and NCCU coach LeVelle Moton presented a signed jersey and basketball to three-year-old Onyx Williams, who is battling cancer and has been adopted by the Eagles as a symbol of support. NCCU coaches wore “All In With Onyx” shirts in recognition of Williams.
The Tar Heels will conclude their five-game season-opening homestand against Navy on Tuesday, November 21, at 7 p.m. This marks the first time as the 1918-19 season that Carolina has begun the year with five consecutive home games; their opponents that season included the Durham YMCA and Guilford.
