Michael Malone earns first win as North Carolina coach against Western Carolina
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 3, 2026, 4:29 AM
Last updated Nov 3, 2026
Michael Malone secured his first win as head coach of North Carolina on November 2, 2026, leading the team to an 80-72 victory over Western Carolina. The Tar Heels faced a challenging game, struggling with rebounding despite a strong performance from guard Terrence Brown. Malone's tenure marks a new direction for the program, being the first coach from outside the 'Carolina Family' since 1952. The game featured close competition, with North Carolina needing to push through the final minutes to ensure the win. Following the game, Malone was presented with the game ball by former coach Roy Williams, a gesture acknowledging the historic moment.
- •Malone's first game as head coach ends in an 80-72 win.
- •Tar Heels struggled with rebounding, losing that battle 41-32.
- •Terrence Brown described the game as 'nasty.'
- •North Carolina secured this win despite inconsistent play.
- •Malone is the first coach not from the 'Carolina Family' since 1952.
- 4:29 AMYahoo Sports — Michael Malone gets win No. 1 at blueblood North Carolina. It wasn't an easy night
"(AP) — Michael Malone walked into a room full of reporters waiting to ask him about a tougher-than-expected win in his coaching debut at blueblood program North Carolina, then offered a quip that certainly captured the mood.“You guys have as much fun as I did.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NCAAM•Nov 3, 2026, 5:23 AMSooners coach apologizes after East Texas A&M authors historic upset of OU- NCAAM•Nov 3, 2026, 5:23 AMTar Heels pull out first win for Malone: 'Welcome to the roller coaster'
NCAAM•Nov 3, 2026, 5:19 AMGonzaga’s Overall Depth Too Much for Giant Daniel Jacobsen, Purdue in 78-72 Win
College Sports•Nov 3, 2026, 5:15 AMUH forward Chase McCarty helped off after apparent injury in season opener- College Sports•Nov 3, 2026, 5:15 AMOmaha beats Mid-America Christian 73-65 as Cahmai Crosby scores 21
- College Sports•Nov 3, 2026, 5:14 AMAlabama A&M opens the season with a 90-57 win over Oakwood