CHAPEL HILL, N.C. _ North Carolina's game against Elon on Wednesday night was supposed to be a breeze.
The sixth-ranked Tar Heels entered the game as 31-point favorites. But in the first half, the Phoenix gave the Tar Heels all it could handle, and even led at halftime.
Eventually, the Tar Heels played better defense and got easier shots in the second half. That helped the Tar Heels build an early second-half lead, and they won 75-61.
UNC freshman forward Armando Bacot led all scorers with a season-high 22 points. He also had 14 rebounds, for his second double-double of the season. Junior forward Garrison Brooks had 14 points. And freshman guard Cole Anthony finished with 9 points, 10 rebounds and 8 assists. It was the first time all season that he finished with less than 20 points in a game.
He was 4 of 14 from the field and 0-for-5 from 3-point range.
UNC is now 4-0 on the season. However, they have quite a bit of issues they have to work out before they head to the Bahamas next week in the Battle 4 Atlantis Tournament.
There, UNC will face Alabama, and potentially, Iowa State, Michigan, Oregon, Seton Hall or Gonzaga.
UNC senior guard Brandon Robinson, who is recovering from an ankle sprain dressed out for the second game in a row, but did not play.
