Texas Upsets No. 7 UNC in Las Vegas, Spoils Career Night for Coby White

With backup Seventh Woods out with a concussion, freshman point guard Coby White took it upon himself to have a big night during UNC’s game Thursday night in the Las Vegas Invitational against Texas.

He would go on to do just that, posting a career-high 33 points to go along with three assists–but it was Texas who had the last laugh.

Behind 32 points and seven assists from guard Kerwin Roach II, the Longhorns (5-0) defeated the seventh-ranked Tar Heels (5-1) by a score of 92-89 and handed them their first loss of the young season.

White scored 20 of his 33 points in the first half as UNC opened up a 13-point advantage in the opening minutes, but Texas rallied to take a 43-42 lead at the halftime break.

In the second half, Texas appeared to have all the momentum on its side as back-to-back easy finishes at the rim by Roach gave the Longhorns their own double-digit lead–this one by 11 points with just over 11 minutes to play.

The whole time Texas was building that lead, White was nowhere to be found for the Tar Heels as he was held scoreless for over half the period.

From that point on, however, he took over once again–draining a trio of critical three-pointers to help UNC claw its way back within two points on two separate occasions.

Struggles on the defensive end plagued the Tar Heels throughout the game, which ultimately led to head coach Roy Williams switching to a zone defense for the closing minutes.

Still, though, Texas ended the night shooting 52 percent from the floor and converted 11 of its 24 attempts from beyond the arc.

UNC had two chances to tie or take the lead in the final minute, but both White and senior forward Luke Maye each missed a three-pointer with those chances.

Maye ended the night with 11 points and joined White as one of four Tar Heels to score in double figures alongside Cameron Johnson (16 points) and Nassir Little (11 points).

Up Next:

The Tar Heels will return to the floor in the Las Vegas Invitational on Friday to face the loser of Michigan State and UCLA at 4 p.m.

Game Notes:

Coby White’s seven three-pointers were the most made by a Tar Heel since Joel Berry II also had seven against Clemson back on Jan. 3, 2017.
With Woods out of the lineup, freshman Leaky Black saw more time in the point guard role for the Tar Heels. However, Black finished with only two points, three rebounds and no assists while picking up three fouls.

FINAL BOX SCORE

Photo via Associated Press

Texas Upsets No. 7 UNC in Las Vegas, Spoils Career Night for Coby White

On Air Now: 97.9 FM