Five takeaways from UNC’s massive win in Michael Malone coaching debut

One game into the Michael Malone era, one massive victory. Thanks to a combination of balanced scoring and shutdown second-half defense, UNC roared back to beat the USC Trojans, 88-70, in a Friday night exhibition from First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro.

North Carolina traded baskets with USC throughout most of the first half, a trend that tricked over into the final 20 minutes. The Tar Heels continued to score at a high clip, while their defense held the Trojans under 27 percent from the field.

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Terrence Brown averaged nearly 20 points per game at Utah last season, but only five on Friday night. He capped UNC’s scoring with a breakaway slam dunk, drawing cheers throughout the crowd. Sayon Keita made a solid impact in his first collegiate game, scoring eight points, grabbing six rebounds and blocking two shots.

For a North Carolina squad with four scorers in double-figures, Chapel Hill native Jarin Stevenson stole the show with a career-high 25 points. Stevenson stepped out to drain momentum-swinging three pointers and won paint battles. In a more underrated stat, Stevenson drained five of his six free throws, part of a 25-30 night and much-improved team effort from last season.

Freshman wing Maximo Adams showed why he’ll be a special player, Isaiah Denis’ decision to return will pay off big-time and Neoklis Avdalas does a little bit of everything. Everyone Tar Heel who touched the court made an impact. While you celebrate this preseason result, take a deeper look at our top five takeaways from the big victory.

Jarin Stevenson will be the go-to offensive option

Oct 7, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels Jarin Stevenson answers questions from the media during the ACC Tip-Off in Charlotte, NC. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Stevenson was a 5-star out of high school, but struggled to play star-level basketball during his two years at Alabama. Transferring to his hometown Tar Heels, Stevenson showed glimpses of that 5-star potential last…

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Publish date : 2026-10-10 14:29:00

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