Sports · Basketball · 4 hrs ago
UNC beats USC 88-70 in Michael Malone’s preseason debut
North Carolina beat USC 88-70 in a preseason game in Greensboro, North Carolina, marking coach Michael Malone’s first game with the Tar Heels.
UNC fell behind early but outscored USC by 20 points in the second half.
Jarin Stevenson led North Carolina with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
He is the only starter from last season who stayed with the program after its coaching change.
The team will rely on him for more scoring and rebounding, but it remains to be seen whether he can keep up that level through the season.
UNC also has questions at center, where freshman Sayon Keita looked inexperienced in his first game against US college competition.
The college basketball season is less than three weeks away, and North Carolina has two more preseason games.
North Carolina beat USC 88-70 in a preseason game on Friday night.
The win marked Michael Malone’s debut as North Carolina’s coach.
After a slow start, North Carolina outscored USC by 20 points in the second half.
Jarin Stevenson led North Carolina with 25 points and 10 rebounds.
The game was played at First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.
- Who
- North Carolina and USC.
- What
- North Carolina won 88-70 in a preseason game.
- When
- Friday night; the exact date is not stated.
- Where
- First Horizon Coliseum in Greensboro, North Carolina.
- Why
- It was one of North Carolina’s preseason games ahead of the 2026-27 college basketball season.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Michael Malone made his debut as North Carolina coach in a preseason game against USC.
North Carolina surged and outscored USC by 20 points on its way to an 88-70 win.
- Final score
- North Carolina 88, USC 70
- North Carolina leading scorer
- Jarin Stevenson: 25 points
- Jarin Stevenson rebounds
- 10
- Venue
- First Horizon Coliseum, Greensboro, North Carolina
What people are saying
Being able to play through (Stevenson) late was great to see. Jarin works his butt off, and I am proud of him.
Posts on X
We got our first look at UNC 4 ⭐️ Maximo Adams (@MaximoAdams25). The 6-7 wing had a strong debut against USC finishing with 11 points and 6 rebounds while shooting 4-7 FG and 2-4 3FG.
Alijah Arenas had 17 points vs North Carolina in an exhibition game 🔥 made improvements playing out of pin downs @JordanRichardSC
Sources
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