SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — Freshman Harrison Barnes scored 19 points in No. 8 North Carolina’s 107-63 win over Hofstra on Thursday in the opening round of the Puerto Rico Tip-Off.
Barnes had what would be a career game for most players in the first half. He made all four 3-point attempts and scored all his points to help the Tar Heels (2-0) storm out to a 25-point lead. With every sweet shot, Barnes is making coach Roy Williams and the Tar Heels forget all about last year’s miserable 17-loss season.
Barnes had plenty of help in the second half, as North Carolina swatted shots, alley-ooped, and pressured Hofstra all over the court.
The Tar Heels will next play the winner of the Minnesota-Western Kentucky game in the eight-team tournament that finishes Sunday.
