'Play or Go Home'

Posted Mar 23, 2019
UNC and Iona played to their seeds after halftime as the Midwest’s top seed turned an eight-point deficit into a 20-point lead. Roy Williams reiterated after the game his belief – and Dean Smith’s before him – that a team builds momentum once it begins a tournament. The Tar Heels were able to do that on Friday, albeit after an anxiety-riddled opening half. (Inside Carolina)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Box Score: North Carolina 80, Western Carolina 72
View the complete box score from the North Carolina Tar Heels' 80-72 season-opening victory over the Western Carolina Catamounts on Monday night at the Smith...
Mon Nov 2, 2026

Video: Michael Malone Post-Western Carolina Press Conference
North Carolina head men's basketball coach Michael Malone speaks with the media following the Tar Heels' 80-72 victory over the Western Carolina Catamounts on Monday...
Mon Nov 2, 2026

Video: Tar Heels Top Catamounts to Open Regular Season, 80-72 - Highlights
North Carolina got 18 points from Matt Able, led from start to finish and held off a pesky Western Carolina squad, 80-72, on Monday night...
Mon Nov 2, 2026

Lucas: North Carolina vs. Western Carolina Rapid Reactions
It's always nice to be undefeated. UNC is 1-0 after a 80-72 win over Western Carolina in the season opener. Nice moment after the game,...
Mon Nov 2, 2026