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Crusaders Hang In There, But Tar Heels Are Too Much
Chapel Hill, NC (Sports Network) – Deon Thompson scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds, as sixth-ranked North Carolina defeated Valparaiso, 88-77, at the Smith Center.
Ed Davis totaled 16 points and six boards, while Larry Drew II finished with 13 points and six assists for the Tar Heels (3-0).
Brandon Wood poured in a game-high 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting for the Crusaders (0-2), who got a 20-point effort from Brandon McPherson.
North Carolina scored nine of the game’s first 12 points, but the Crusaders hung in there with the defending national champs, tying the game at 22 on a three-pointer by McPherson with about 8 1/2 minutes remaining in the first half.
The Tar Heels later went on a 9-0 run, and took a 38-31 lead into the break.
North Carolina ripped off eight consecutive points to open the second half, and led 63-41 after a basket by Davis. Valpo mounted a rally in the late stages, trimming the deficit to nine, but it was too late.
The Tar Heels have won all three meetings with Valparaiso…Tyler Zeller had 12 points, five rebounds and two blocks for North Carolina, which shot 56.1 percent (32-of-57) from the field and held a 42-23 edge on the glass…The Crusaders made 43.3 percent (29-of-67) of their shots.
- Via Sports Network
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