Michigan Wolverines vs North Carolina Tar Heels Match Player Stats On Nov 29, 2017

The Sports Xchange
Nov 29, 2017

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. -- North Carolina shook off a one-game offensive malaise with a sizzling shooting performance as the No. 13 Tar Heels defeated Michigan 86-71 in the Big Ten/ACC Challenge on Wednesday night at the Smith Center.

Junior forward Luke Maye scored 27 points -- one shy of the junior forward's career high, Joel Berry poured in 17 points and Kenny Williams had 12 points for North Carolina (6-1).

Moe Wagner scored 15 of his 20 points in the first half for Michigan (6-2). Charles Matthews added 12 points for the Wolverines.

The Tar Heels led 45-32 with 3:27 left in the first half, matching their point total from Sunday night's 63-45 loss to Michigan State in Portland, Ore.

In building a 51-37 halftime lead, the Tar Heels shot 64.5 percent from the field, a huge difference from the school-worst 24.6 percent for the Michigan State game.

Michigan hadn't given up more than 32 points in any previous first half this season.

North Carolina began the second half on a 14-2 run.

There was an efficient early stretch for both teams. The Tar Heels led 13-12 less than four minutes into the game.

Williams had 11 points barely more than five minutes into the game, though he missed a stretch after picking up his second foul with 9:56 to play in the half.

Michigan made its first eight shots from the field before cooling off.

There were numerous highlights for the Tar Heels, including some end-to-end action that delighted the home crowd in the first half. Sterling Manley saved the ball with a behind-the-back pass at the defensive baseline to start a fast break that concluded with Theo Pinson finishing with a reverse layout at the other end.

Michigan cut a 29-point hole to 78-62 with about four minutes to play. Berry's 3-pointer doused that threat.

NOTES: This was only the fifth time in 19 Big Ten/ACC Challenge games that North Carolina faced an unranked team. ... Michigan fell to 2-6 all-time in Big Ten/ACC Challenge road games. ... It marked the first time Michigan's John Beilein coached against the Tar Heels. ... North Carolina honored members of its 1993 national championship team during a first-half timeout. That group defeated Michigan in the title game in New Orleans. That was the last time these teams met until Wednesday night. ... North Carolina plays Davidson on Friday night in Charlotte. ... Michigan opens Big Ten Conference play Saturday afternoon at home against Indiana.