UNC Basketball dominates Radford in second half to win opening game

North Carolina Tar Heels win season opener with 86-70 victory over Radford, Armando Bacot scores 25 points and 13 rebounds.

The North Carolina Tar Heels started off the 2023-24 college basketball season with a slow start in their first game. However, a strong push late in the first half and into the second half helped Hubert Davis' team secure an 86-70 win.

Despite North Carolina initially taking an 8-point lead, the Radford Highlanders fought back, taking a four-point lead in the first half as they heated up on the court. Radford's strong performance put pressure on the Tar Heels, forcing them into tough decisions. However, the Tar Heels regrouped, and a Cormac Ryan steal and assist late in the first half gave UNC a 44-41 lead, setting the tone for the game.

Heading into the second half with a 46-41 lead, UNC maintained their momentum and outscored Radford 40-29. Four of North Carolina's starters reached double figures, with Armando Bacot leading the team with 25 points and 13 rebounds. Ryan and RJ Davis both added 13 points, while Harrison Ingram contributed 12.

Overall, North Carolina had a 52.5% field goal percentage and a 35% three-point percentage. UNC made their first three 3-pointers but cooled off, finishing 7-of-20 for the game in that area. The win marked Hubert Davis' 50th win as head coach of the Tar Heels.

Armando Bacot's performance in the game was particularly notable, as he recorded his 69th double-double of his career, scoring 25 points and grabbing 13 rebounds. He also scored the first bucket of the year for the Tar Heels with a dunk assisted by Paxson Wojcik.

Looking ahead, North Carolina will host Lehigh in the Dean Dome for a 2 p.m. tip-off on Sunday.