Deadspin: North Carolina edges Western Carolina as Michael Malone opens debut season

Able leads North Carolina

Able scored 18 points, including eight during a 10-0 opening run that featured two 3-pointers and a driving layup. His dunk early in the second half helped North Carolina reach its largest lead, 43-30.

Terrence Brown scored 14 points and Neo Avdalas added 13 for the Tar Heels. Maximo Adams contributed 10 points off the bench.

Western Carolina stays close

Prunty scored 18 points for the Catamounts, who began their third season under head coach Tim Craft. Jaeden Roberts added 17 before fouling out with 5:57 remaining. Western Carolina cut the deficit to 58-57 with 9:35 left, when Roberts made a 3-pointer after an offensive rebound. The visitors also stayed in contention with a 13-7 edge in offensive rebounds, despite shooting 20-for-59, or 33.9 percent, from the floor.

Late run seals the win

Roberts’ departure helped spark North Carolina’s decisive 13-2 stretch. Jarin Stevenson made one free throw on the foul that sent Roberts out, putting the Tar Heels ahead 65-62.

Able and Sayon Keita each made two free throws after Tayeshaun Smith received personal and technical fouls, and Brown completed a three-point play. Able later extended the lead with a driving layup, before Avdalas’ 3-pointer with 1:31 left made it 77-64.