Grading North Carolina's Bench Against USC Upstate

The sophomore forward took full advantage of extended minutes off the bench, shooting 6-of-9 from the field, including 3-of-6 from three-point range.

While speaking with the media during his postgame press conference, head coach Hubert Davis spoke on Powell's 17-point performance.

• "Yeah, I thought he played well on both ends," Davis said. "I mean, obviously he made shots, and today, not only made shots, but timely shots, especially from three. I think it was an eight-point game in the second half, he had a three and a corner taken to double figures, and that extended the lead for the remainder of the game."

• "But he's also a really physical defender, very competitive, and just has a passion and desire to be a part of his team and this program," Davis continued. "So, I was really happy they had a good game today."

Powell also spoke on his performance, discussing the process of staying ready for his name to be called in a moment like this.

• "Just take it practice by practice, game by game," Powell said. "So really, like I said, just staying ready for opportunity when it comes. And I think tonight was a great chance for me to come in and show what I can do. So really, just build on that and be consistent for my team." 

Grade: A+

Derek Dixon

Stat line: 3 points, 4 assists, and 2 rebounds

It was not the type of performance we have grown accustomed to seeing from Dixon in recent weeks, as the freshman guard struggled from the field, shooting 1-of-4, including 1-of-3 from beyond the arc.

Dixon was able to impact the game in other ways. Still, the scoring output has to be more consistent for North Carolina to be a threat from the outside against legitimate competition.