No. 2 South Carolina led by as many as 20 points on its way to a 91-82 win against UNC in a preseason exhibition in Atlanta Thursday night. The Tar Heels will open their regular season Monday.
Neither Reniya Kelly nor Blanca Thomas played in the game for UNC, but head coach Courtney Banghart still played 11 different players against the Gamecocks. Indya Nivar and Louisville transfer Nyla Harris tied for the team lead with 14 points, with Harris registering a double-double by grabbing a team-best 10 rebounds. Harris’ six made field goals were also the most on the team. Ciera Toomey added 11 points and eight rebounds, while freshman Nyla Brooks scored 12 points and grabbed seven boards off the bench. Lanie Grant scored 10 points.
UNC 7-2 early, but South Carolina quickly asserted control and led 26-19 at the end of the first quarter and 49-38 at halftime. The lead grew to 75-60 by the end of the third quarter and ballooned to 20 points at 87-67 in the fourth before the Tar Heels whittled it back to single digits.
The Gamecocks had their way inside the three-point line, finishing the game 30-50 (60 percent) on two-point shots. South Carolina’s 91 points are more than UNC gave up in any game last season. The Tar Heels have not allowed an opponent to score 90 points in an official game since February 16, 2020, during Banghart’s first season as head coach.
The Tar Heels’ regular-season opener is scheduled for Monday, November 3 at 11 a.m. in Carmichael Arena when UNC hosts North Carolina Central.
Featured image via Associated Press/Gerry Broome
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