North Carolina holds off Western Carolina in Michael Malone's debut, 80-72
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 3, 2026, 2:37 AM
Last updated Nov 3, 2026
North Carolina defeated Western Carolina 80-72 in Michael Malone's coaching debut on November 2. Matt Able led the Tar Heels with 18 points as they pulled away late with a decisive 13-2 run. Despite shooting 41.8% from the field, North Carolina struggled on the boards, being out-rebounded 41-32. The victory marks a solid start for Malone, who became the first UNC coach without prior ties to the program since 1952. The Catamounts, led by Jaxon Prunty's 18 points, will next face UNC Asheville on November 5.
- •Matt Able scores 18 points to lead North Carolina.
- •UNC outlasts Western Carolina with a strong finish.
- •North Carolina struggles with rebounding, losing 41-32.
- •Jaxon Prunty leads Western Carolina with 18 points.
- •Next, Western Carolina travels to UNC Asheville on November 5.
- 2:37 AMYahoo Sports — North Carolina wins Michael Malone's coaching debut by beating Western Carolina 80-72
"(AP) — Matt Able scored 18 points and North Carolina make a decisive push in the final six minutes to win Michael Malone's coaching debut by beating Western Carolina 80-72 on Monday night.Terrence Brown scored 14 points while Neo Avdalas added 13 for the Tar Heels (1-0), who used a 13-2 run to finally shake free and build a double-digit lead against the pesky Catamounts.
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