UNC Basketball: Tar Heels roll past Harvard to close out non-conference schedule

The UNC Basketball program picks up a win as they wrap up the non-conference schedule for the 2018-19 season. They begin conference play on Saturday morning.

The North Carolina Tar Heels are in the win column in 2019.

In what was their final tune up before Atlantic Coast Conference play begins on Saturday, the Tar Heels took care of business by beating Harvard 77-57 behind a big second half run.

After taking a 41-31 lead into halftime following a quick 4-0 run, the Tar Heels went on a 16-2 run in the second half to open up a 66-42 lead. From there UNC was able to put the game away with ease, never really facing much danger in that second half.

The Tar Heels were able to take advantage of 22 Harvard turnovers, scoring 21 points off of those turnovers. Despite shooting just 41.9 percent from the field, the Tar Heels made the most of the Crimson’s miscues, something that Harvard has struggled with throughout the season, entering this game 344th nationally in turnovers.

The first half was back-and-forth until UNC took control with just a few minutes left before the halftime break.

Senior Luke Maye got off to a solid start in the first half and finished with a game-high 14 points on 5-of-11 shooting. Maye did struggle from behind the three-point line, finishing just 1-of-4.

Four of the Tar Heels five starters finished in double digits with Cameron Johnson and Coby White scoring 13 each and Kenny Williams adding 11.

Forward Garrison Brooks finished with just 7 points after scoring the first 4 points of the game for the Tar Heels. He struggled early with foul trouble, picking up two within the first few minutes of the game.

For UNC, the win moves them to 10-3 in their non-conference schedule which was a tough one featuring matchups against Michigan, Gonzaga, and Kentucky over the past few months. The Tar Heels were able to get that big home win over the Bulldogs but didn’t look good against both Michigan and Kentucky.

Player of the game

We are going to give this one to freshman Nassir Little. Coming off the bench again, Little quietly had a nice game finishing with 12 points.

Little shot 4-of-7 from the field including 1-of-2 from the three-point line. He had another big breakaway dunk that got the crowd roaring in the Dean Dome.

While all the talk revolves around whether or not Little will start, the freshman continues to go out there and play. Hopefully he can be a big contributor come conference play.

Stat of the game

The Tar Heels winning the turnover battle 22-11 was the big difference in the game. At times, UNC was sloppy but they made up for it on the defensive end by forcing 12 steals in the game.

Not only did they force turnovers, but they converted on the other end. That’s a good sign going into conference play.

What’s next?

The No. 15 ranked Tar Heels begin Atlantic Coast Conference play on Saturday at Pitt. This will be the first of two-straight road games to open conference play, including a date with No. 18 NC State on Tuesday.