Caleb Wilson is UNC’s Player of the Game against USC Upstate

Most other weeks, Carolina’s ho-hum performance against USC Upstate might raise a few questions, but I think fans should give them a pass on this one. 

Take it from someone who was in that situation not toolong ago, exam week games are often a bit of a slog. No matter how good of a student or test taker you are, the days leading up to the game are mentally draining enough that you won’t be as sharp as usual on the court (to be transparent, my experience only goes as far as high school basketball, but I can’t imagine it’s much different for a college player).

Much to their credit, there were some Tar Heels who were able to fight through the brain fog and look like their normal selves–none more than Caleb Wilson. The freshman sensation delivered his seventh double-double of the season (the most of any ACC player) with 20 points and 11 rebounds, both game highs. He also recorded three assists and, as our own Brandon Anderson pointed out, did a great job passing out of double teams. That’s going to be a crucial part of his game as the season continues and more teams try to figure out how to contain him.

I’ll give an honorable mention to Jonathan Powell, who had easily his best game in a Carolina jersey. The West Virginia transfer matched his career high with 17 points, including a 3-of-6 outing from three-point range, and had two steals. It’s another encouraging sign for UNC’s bench, which will hopefully gain depth soon as Seth Trimble returns.