North Carolina traded baskets with USC throughout most of the first half, a trend that tricked over into the final 20 minutes. The Tar Heels continued to score at a high clip, while their defense held the Trojans under 27 percent from the field.
Terrence Brown averaged nearly 20 points per game at Utah last season, but only five on Friday night. He capped UNC's scoring with a breakaway slam dunk, drawing cheers throughout the crowd. Sayon Keita made a solid impact in his first collegiate game, scoring eight points, grabbing six rebounds and blocking two shots.
For a North Carolina squad with four scorers in double-figures, Chapel Hill native Jarin Stevenson stole the show with a career-high 25 points. Stevenson stepped out to drain momentum-swinging three pointers and won paint battles. In a more underrated stat, Stevenson drained five of his six free throws, part of a 25-30 night and much-improved team effort from last season.
Freshman wing Maximo Adams showed why he'll be a special player, Isaiah Denis' decision to return will pay off big-time and Neoklis Avdalas does a little bit of everything. Everyone Tar Heel who touched the court made an impact. While you celebrate this preseason result, take a deeper look at our top five takeaways from the big victory.
Jarin Stevenson will be the go-to offensive option
Stevenson was a 5-star out of high school, but struggled to play star-level basketball during his two years at Alabama. Transferring to his hometown Tar Heels, Stevenson showed glimpses of that 5-star potential last season.
On Friday night, Stevenson quickly proved he will be North Carolina's go-to guy this season, scoring a game-high 25 points on 8-of-14 shooting and five made free throws. Stevenson added 10 rebounds to record a double-double, while blocking a shot.
UNC doesn't need Terrence Brown to score 20 points per game
Brown was the best player on a bad Utah team last season, averaging 19.9 points per game. When he committed to UNC, fans naturally got excited about his scoring potential.
Brown only scored five points during Friday night's exhibition win, which doesn't concern Malone at all. Brown found other ways to impact the game, while scoring North Carolina's final two points on a breakaway day.
The Tar Heels will be a DEEP team
When four guys score in double figures the first game, you know scoring is going to come easy this season. Stevenson enjoyed the breakout game, while Avdalas scored 15 points, Denis added 14 and Adams poured in 11.
All but four UNC players scored in the win. This will prove dividends for when the games start counting in November, starting with Western Carolina.
The Tar Heels' defense might actually be good again
The Tar Heels blocked five USC shots, led by two from Keita. North Carolina held USC under 40 percent shooting for the entire game, which dropped under 27 percent in the second half.
UNC allowed too many opponents to score easy baskets a season ago. Any team is bound to have hot offensive and cold defensive stretches.
If we're talking just about Friday night, North Carolina will have a strong defense this season.
Michael Malone's system will lead to success
Michael Malone knows how to win, with over 500 victories across 12 seasons as an NBA head coach. How his coaching style transfers to this level was a big question left to answer. Through one exhibition game, there's a lot to like about that style.
The way Malone wants to play felt like old school Carolina basketball. They rebounded well and got out on fast breaks, which led to points. It was something refreshing to see.
In his postgame presser, Malone was very thankful and praised his team for its effort in the win, while saying the Tar Heels are nowhere close to playing at their max potential. Malone brings a needed fire, but is also humble, two ingredients to a successful coach.
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This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: Five takeaways from UNC's massive win in Michael Malone coaching debut