Chapel Hill Review

Carolina secured a decisive victory over La Salle with a 93-67 win, marking a strong performance at home. Cade Tyson, a transfer from Belmont, delivered his best game for Carolina, scoring a career-high 23 points and showcasing his versatility. His contribution included five successful three-pointers out of ten attempts.

A highlight of the game was Tyson's three-pointer assisted by freshman Ian Jackson during the second half. Ven-Allen Lubin also made significant contributions with ten points and five rebounds, maintaining a perfect shooting record in this match.

Carolina dominated in rebounding, achieving a 47-36 advantage over La Salle. The team also excelled in points in the paint with a 50-18 lead. Drake Powell showed flashes of his previous form from Maui, contributing seven points and six rebounds.

Ian Jackson had an impactful presence on the court despite not leading in scoring. He recorded seven rebounds and three assists without turnovers, reflecting his growing comfort in the team dynamics.

Defensively, Carolina improved significantly as they limited La Salle to 35 percent shooting from the field while blocking six shots and securing eight steals.

The game rekindled memories of their last encounter on January 9, 1988, when Lionel Simmons scored 37 points against Carolina—a record that remains tied for most points scored by an opponent at the Smith Center.

Former player Theo Pinson attended the game alongside Makhtar Ndiaye. Pinson is set to commentate on upcoming ESPN college games.

Looking ahead, Carolina faces crucial neutral site games against Florida and UCLA this week. These matches are vital for enhancing their credentials before entering ACC play. Currently, only Duke, Pitt, and Clemson join Carolina among the top ACC teams in KenPom ratings.

During halftime, Bill Belichick received enthusiastic applause upon introduction.