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UNC men's basketball team downs WSSU in only exhibition game of the year

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Head Coach Roy Williams yells at the bench during the exhibition game against Winston-Salem State in the Smith Center on Friday, Nov. 1, 2019. UNC beat WSSU 96-61.

In its first game showcasing new faces, the No. 9 North Carolina men’s basketball team routed Winston-Salem State, 96-61. Junior big man Garrison Brooks stood out in the Tar Heels’ only exhibition game with 18 points and 11 rebounds.

What happened?

In a game where the score didn’t matter, tactics and lineups were on full display. There was much speculation heading into the game as to who would start for North Carolina.

Head coach Roy Williams decided to go with the starting lineup of first-year guard Cole Anthony, graduate transfer guard Christian Keeling, senior guard Brandon Robinson, junior forward Garrison Brooks, and first-year forward Armando Bacot. 

Early on, it was clear that Anthony and Bacot will have major roles for UNC this season. Both played heavy minutes early, impressing with multiple buckets each in the first half. But it also became apparent that neither player is close to being a finished product, despite the hype that came with each’s arrival. 

Anthony took a handful of ill-advised shots in the opening half, but still wooed the crowd with his ability to push the pace. 

The "oohs" and "aahs" of the Smith Center crowd from the Tar Heels’ early baskets turned to silence at the 12:19 mark, when Robinson hit the deck following a deflection that sent WSSU guard Xavier Fennell’s shot into the student section. 

The senior guard was helped to the locker room and didn’t return to the game. 

Despite the loss, the Tar Heels rolled to a 45-24 lead at halftime. Brooks and Robinson, the team's veterans, led the way in scoring with eight points each after the first 20 minutes.

In the second half, it was one of the team’s new faces that showcased his abilities to the UNC faithful. Keeling scored all 14 of his points in then and displayed his smooth stroke from beyond the arc, swishing both of his three-point attempts.

Who stood out?

Brooks took advantage of an undersized WSSU squad, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds. At the end of the first half, the 6-foot-9 big man had already racked up eight points and seven boards. 

Keeling couldn’t find the bottom of the net to start the game. The grad transfer was brought in from Charleston Southern to help the Tar Heels fill the scoring void after losing their top-5 scorers from last season. But in the second half, the 6-foot-3 guard looked comfortable. 

The Augusta, Georgia, native went a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor in the final 20 minutes on his way to a 14-point outing. 

When was it decided?

The game was over before it even started. Winston-Salem State never led and the Tar Heels had a 20 point lead less than 10 minutes into the game. 

It was never close as UNC asserted its dominance over the Rams throughout the entire game.

Why does it matter?

The Tar Heels did what they were supposed to against an inferior opponent. However, North Carolina totaled 22 turnovers, a stat that Williams can’t be too pleased with. 

North Carolina will need to clean up some of its sloppy play if it wants to accomplish its lofty goals this season and defend its preseason top 10 ranking.

When do they play next?

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UNC kicks off its regular season with an ACC tilt against Notre Dame on Wednesday.

@matt_chilson | @pupadhyaya_

@DTHSports | sports@dailytarheel.com