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Winthrop gets shot at the big time against North Carolina

Nov 15, 2006 - 5:43 PM Winthrop (2-0) at No. 2 North Carolina (1-0) 7:00 pm EST

CHARLOTTE, North Carolina (Ticker) -- North Carolina had a tougher first half than expected in its season opener before turning on the cruise control.

Sophomore Tyler Hansbrough looks for his second consecutive dominant contest Wednesday when the second-ranked Tar Heels face Winthrop in the second round of the NIT Season Tip-Off.

After winning 23 games last season, North Carolina got off to a shaky start Tuesday, allowing Sacred Heart to make 6-of-13 3-pointers in the first half while leading by just five at intermission.

However, Hansbrough helped the Tar Heels gradually pull away in the second half against the smaller Pioneers and post a 103-81 triumph. Last season's Atlantic Coast Conference Rookie of the Year made 11-of-14 shots and scored 29 points.

Reyshawn Terry scored all 18 points in the second half and Brandan Wright, Wayne Ellison and Ty Lawson added 10 each in their collegiate debuts for North Carolina.

The two-time defending Big South Conference champion, Winthrop followed Friday's season-opening win over North Greenville with Tuesday's 58-37 triumph over Iona.

Chris Gaynor scored 12 points and Torrell Martin added 11 with 10 rebounds for the Eagles, who limited the Gaels to 31 percent (15-of-48) shooting from the floor.

After hitting 12 3-pointers and tying a school record with 40 points against North Greenville, Michael Jenkins made just 4-of-11 shots and scored 10 points against Iona.

The Tar Heels won the only previous meeting against Winthrop, 66-61, in the 2000-01 season.