North Carolina survived a scare in Michael Malone's coaching debut, escaping with an 80-72 victory over Western Carolina on Monday night. The Catamounts, 22-point underdogs, cut the Tar Heels' lead to one point twice in the second half before guard Jaeden Roberts fouled out with 5:57 remaining. A controversial over-the-back call and subsequent technical foul on Western Carolina produced a 6-point swing, extending UNC's lead to 69-62 at the 5:25 mark. Without Roberts, the Catamounts could not complete the comeback.
Frontcourt struggles evident
The win exposed rebounding deficiencies that plagued UNC in exhibitions. Western Carolina held a 13-7 advantage in offensive rebounds, leading to a 13-8 edge in second-chance points. Starting center Sayon Keita and power forward Jarin Stevenson combined for just four rebounds. Malone acknowledged the issue: "You do all that hard work, only to see the shot taken and now they get an extra opportunity. I think it's something where we just have to continue to harp on it, drill it, demand it."
Veesaar departure haunts Tar Heels
The loss of 7-footer Henri Veesaar, selected 52nd in the NBA Draft, leaves a void UNC failed to fill. Indiana exploited the frontcourt in a 76-58 exhibition win, dominating offensive rebounds 20-10. Malone said both Keita and Stevenson are playing hard but need to average 7-10 boards per game. Upcoming ACC opponents like Louisville's Flory Bidunga, Florida State's Marcis Ponder, and Duke's frontcourt of Patrick Ngongba and Joaquim Boumtje-Boumtje will test UNC's interior defense.
