The Michael Malone era in North Carolina opened with a victory, but not without a few anxious moments along the way. The final score says North Carolina started the 2026-27 season with a win. The performance suggests there’s still plenty of work to do.
The Tar Heels defeated Western Carolina 80-72 Monday night at the Dean E. Smith Center, giving first-year head coach Michael Malone his first victory at UNC. Despite leading from start to finish, Carolina was never able to fully shake the Catamounts until a late second-half surge created some breathing room.
What Went Right
UNC featured a balanced offensive attack with four players scoring in double figures. Matt Able led the way with 18 points in an impressive Tar Heel debut, while Terrence Brown added 14 points and Neo Avdalaschipped in 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Maximo Adams contributed 10 points off the bench. The Tar Heels also showed poise when the game tightened late. After Western Carolina trimmed the lead to just three points in the second half, Carolina responded with a decisive 13-2 run that ultimately put the game away. UNC held the Catamounts without a field goal for more than five minutes during that stretch.
Cause for Concern
The biggest question entering the season was rebounding and that concern didn’t disappear in the opener. Western Carolina out-rebounded the Tar Heels 41-32 and collected 13 offensive rebounds. Carolina struggled to consistently finish defensive possessions, allowing the Catamounts to generate valuable second-chance opportunities throughout the night. The shooting numbers were also less than ideal. UNC connected on just 41.8% of its field-goal attempts and shot 30% from three-point range, making only 9 of 30 attempts from beyond the arc.
Player Spotlight
Matt Able’s debut stood out as one of the night’s biggest positives. The transfer guard scored 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting and provided a steady offensive presence whenever the Tar Heels needed a basket. Meanwhile, Neo Avdalas delivered the game’s signature moment. His four-point play with 1:31 remaining effectively ended any hopes of a Western Carolina comeback and highlighted the versatility that has made him one of Carolina’s most intriguing newcomers.
Final Word
A win is a win, especially in a season opener and especially in a head coach’s debut. But Monday’s performance looked more like a team still learning its identity than one ready to contend at a high level. Carolina showed resilience, balance, and enough shot-making to secure the victory. Yet rebounding, perimeter consistency, and overall execution remain areas that will need significant improvement before the competition level rises.