Caleb Wilson scored 22 points in his collegiate debut, and No. 25 North Carolina received contributions from a variety of sources in a season-opening 94-54 victory against Central Arkansas on Monday night in Chapel Hill, N.C.
Kyan Evans, boosted by four 3-pointers, poured in 15 points, Henri Veesaar had 14 points and 10 rebounds and Seth Trimble scored 12 for the Tar Heels, who won their 21st consecutive season opener. They’ve also notched victories in 24 straight home openers.
Cole McCormick scored nine points for Central Arkansas, which fell into an early hole and couldn’t shoot its way back into range to make it interesting. The Bears shot 31.3 percent from the field, making eight of 29 attempts from 3-point range. McCormick fouled out with nearly five minutes left.
Prior to the game, North Carolina officials announced that Luka Bogavac, a junior guard from Montenegro, would play. His eligibility had been paused by university officials even though the NCAA recently gave its clearance for the international player to participate.
He was the first player into the game off the bench. He notched 10 points and five assists, including a basket and an assist in his first two minutes of action.
Those came as part of North Carolina’s strong opening stretch as the Tar Heels built a 21-8 lead.
North Carolina held a 51-23 halftime lead, boosted by 10 offensive rebounds and 10 Central Arkansas turnovers. The Bears, who shot 32.3 percent from the field in the opening half, didn’t attempt a first-half free throw, while North Carolina was 11-for-14 from the foul line.
Wilson, a heralded freshman, made his first four shots from the field and joined Evans with 12 points each by halftime.
The margin grew to 39-13 on an 18-0 run as Central Arkansas went nearly eight minutes without scoring.
It was a largely smooth outing for the Tar Heels in advance of their clash with No. 19 Kansas on Friday night at home.
