ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) – Kennedy Meeks had 25 points and 11 rebounds to help No. 1 North Carolina launch a season of lofty expectations with a 91-67 win over Temple on Friday night.
Brice Johnson contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Nate Britt scored 15 for the Tar Heels, who took control late in the first half in the opener of the Veterans Classic, a doubleheader at the U.S. Naval Academy.
Meeks, a 6-foot-10 junior, scored in the lane, connected on fadeaway jumpers and squared up from 15 feet. He went 10 for 14 from the floor and sank five of seven free throws in matching his career high for points.
With Meeks leading the way, North Carolina (1-0) finished with a 49-32 rebounding advantage.
Devin Coleman led Temple (0-1) with 19 points.