UNC Basketball: Tar Heels outlast Wolfpack in Raleigh

North Carolina tops NC State, moves to 2-0 in ACC play

Three Tar Heels recorded double-doubles, and North Carolina beat NC State 90-82 in Raleigh on Tuesday night.

Luke Maye led all scorers with 21 points on 6-of-13 shooting and 2-of-5 from three-point range. He also knocked down 7-of-8 from the free throw line, and hauled in a game-high 11 rebounds for his sixth double-double of the season and second in as many games.

Kenny Williams recorded his first double-double of the season with 15 points and 10 rebounds. He connected on 5-of-12 shots from the floor, and 2-of-5 from downtown. Williams’ 15 points matched his best offensive output of the season in a season-high 34 minutes of play.

Cameron Johnson was the third UNC player to hit double-figures in two categories against the Wolfpack. The senior sharpshooter scored 15 points and pulled down 11 rebounds in limited action due to a leg injury suffered in the second half.

When Johnson fell to the ground and grabbed his right leg in pain, North Carolina fans held their collective breath, and feared the worst. It was later reported that Johnson was simply suffering leg cramps, but being held out for the remainder of the game.

The Tar Heels withstood a 23-turnover game — 10 more than the Wolfpack — but outrebounded NC State by 18. North Carolina had 20 assists on 29 field goals, and made 10 of their 25 attempts from beyond the arc. They also converted a stellar percentage of their free throws, knocking down 22 of their 26 attempts from the charity stripe.

NC State was led by sophomore guard Braxton Beverly, who scored a season-high 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting and 5-of-7 from three-point range. He was one of five Wolfpack players to score in double-figures.

The victory moves the Tar Heels to 12-3 on the season and 2-0 in ACC play, while the loss drops NC State to 13-2 overall and 1-1 in conference play.