Monday’s win helps UNC basketball achieve best start in 17 years

What better Christmas present than a 48-point win over one of your in-state rivals? Thanks to a complete performance on Monday night, UNC closed the non-conference portion of its basketball schedule with a 99-51 obliteration of East Carolina.

The Tar Heels’ (12-1) defense proved impenetrable, holding ECU (5-8) to an ice-cold, 26 percent (19-of-73) mark on field goals. North Carolina generated 26 points off 17 Pirate turnovers, finishing those possessions off with slam dunks and other easy baskets.

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As UNC prepares to open ACC play against Florida State on December 30, dominating opponents is a common theme. The Tar Heels’ 12-1 start is their best since 2008-09, which ended in a National Championship victory over Michigan State.

That 2009 Natty-winning team is arguably the best in college basketball history, including the likes of program greats Tyler Hansbrough, Ty Lawson, Danny Green and Wayne Ellington.

If you take a deep look at North Carolina’s early, 2025-26 success, every piece of a championship roster is there. UNC has a superstar player who can take over in Caleb Wilson, who combines to form the country’s best frontcourt duo with Henri Veesaar. The Tar Heels have a veteran leader in Seth Trimble, who proved a welcome addition Monday night, in just his second game back from a broken forearm.

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Luke Bogavac and Kyan Evans give UNC valuable experience in its backcourt, while Jarin Stevenson, Derek Dixon and Jonathan Powell anchor a deep bench.

The Tar Heels will be tested in what should be a much-improved ACC, but they’re showcasing early signs of a team which can compete – and win – in March.

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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball 12-1 for first time since 2008-09 Championship season

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/mondays-win-helps-unc-basketball-130123425.html

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Publish date : 2025-12-24 13:01:00

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