What Stood Out in UNC Basketball’s Exhibition Win Over USC

The North Carolina Tar Heels made their preseason debut on Friday night, defeating the USC Trojans 88-70.

It was the first time watching this group of players together against an opponent under head coach Michael Malone. Here’s what stood out in the Tar Heels’ back-and-forth matchup against the Trojans.

Advertisement

Bench Carries Tar Heels in First Half

Jan 21, 2026; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Isaiah Denis (5) with the ball as Notre Dame Fighting Irish forward Ryder Frost (7) defends in the second half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The starters had a somewhat disappointing first half, especially Matt Able and Terrence Brown, who combined for 0 points and shot 0-of-4 from the field. Jarin Stevenson was productive but inefficient, scoring nine points and grabbing seven rebounds, while shooting 2-of-8 from the field during this span.

Meanwhile, the bench kept the Tar Heels within striking distance, with Isaiah Denis leading the team with 10 points, while shooting 3-of-3 from the field, including 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. Maximo Adams also showed flashes, with five points and four rebounds, while shooting 2-of-3 from the field. If Malone receives this level of production from the bench, North Carolina will be much better than expected.

Advertisement

Maximo Adams’ Impressive Motor

Serra’s Maximo Adams (25) looks to coaches as he runs down the court during the first quarter of their first-round CIF-SS playoff game at Indio High School in Indio, Calif., Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

The 6-foot-7, 220-pound freshman forward looks like a future star player for the Tar Heels. Although he will likely be coming off the bench this season, Adams could be one of the leading scorers on this roster. The 4-star recruit made his presence known in many ways, playing sound defense, scoring second-chance points on offensive rebounds, and playing 100 percent every…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/stood-unc-basketballs-exhibition-win-012506395.html

Author :

Publish date : 2026-10-10 01:25:00

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.