Production up and down the lineup leads UNC Basketball to big win over American

The UNC basketball program finally put it all together.

In its 107-55 win over American on Friday in the Dean Smith Center, North Carolina showed it could play a full 40 minutes for the first time in this early season. Despite a shaky first ten minutes, the Tar Heels produced on both ends and throughout their entire lineup.

The commanding victory was an important reset after last week's tough loss against Kansas.

Sophomore guard Elliot Cadeau answered his own first-possession turnover by stealing the ball back and earning UNC's first points of the night on the fast break.

Cadeau led the charge in the first half. His 15 points and three steals kept the Tar Heels in it as American kept it close. In a game where UNC had the height advantage, the Tar Heels continued to rely on their backcourt for offense in the first half.

The game went to the break with UNC leading 43-34. The Tar Heels saw production throughout the lineup. Seven out of eight Tar Heels who played in the first half scored at least four points. Junior forward Jalen Washington made his presence felt down low, tying his season high in just the first 20 minutes.

The height difference between the two teams began to show itself in the second half as UNC obliterated American 64-21 in the frame. Led by Washington, the Tar Heels wore down the Eagles in the paint. In total, North Carolina outscored American by 40 points down low. Washington finished with a career-high 18 points.

The second half saw everyone on UNC get involved. Junior forward Cade Tyson, who scored just two total points through the first two games, put in 11 points on nearly 43% shooting from behind the arc. Freshman forward Drake Powell dominated near the rim, finishing with 11 rebounds and three blocks.

Most importantly, with the lead being what it was, Hubert Davis was able to showcase the 2024-2025 Biscuit Boys for the first time.

The Tar Heels return to action next Friday with a late tipoff in Hawaii. It will be an important warmup game before the Maui Invitational, which will give the UNC basketball program an opportunity to pick up quality non-conference wins.