Tar Heels' road to Houston paved by Johnson and Paige decisions to stay

Posted Mar 30, 2016
The turning point of this Final Four run for UNC dates back to the end of last season. Only a few days after the 2014-15 Tar Heels completed a so-so (by Carolina standards) 26-12 record with a 79-72 loss to Wisconsin in the West Regional semifinals, then juniors Brice Johnson and Marcus Paige opted to return to school over pursuing professional careers. (WRAL Sports Fan)

Related: Basketball, Basketball Recruiting

Box Score: North Carolina 80, Western Carolina 72
View the complete box score from the North Carolina Tar Heels' 80-72 season-opening victory over the Western Carolina Catamounts on Monday night at the Smith...
Mon Nov 2, 2026

Video: Michael Malone Post-Western Carolina Press Conference
North Carolina head men's basketball coach Michael Malone speaks with the media following the Tar Heels' 80-72 victory over the Western Carolina Catamounts on Monday...
Mon Nov 2, 2026

Video: Tar Heels Top Catamounts to Open Regular Season, 80-72 - Highlights
North Carolina got 18 points from Matt Able, led from start to finish and held off a pesky Western Carolina squad, 80-72, on Monday night...
Mon Nov 2, 2026

Lucas: North Carolina vs. Western Carolina Rapid Reactions
It's always nice to be undefeated. UNC is 1-0 after a 80-72 win over Western Carolina in the season opener. Nice moment after the game,...
Mon Nov 2, 2026