CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – The 22-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels posted a 59-48 exhibition win over Wingate at Carmichael Arena on Wednesday.
Forward Hillary Summers led the Tar Heels with 15 points, while Destinee Walker finished with 13 points in her collegiate debut.
Guard Jamie Cherry added 10 points.
It took Walker a few minutes to get going in her first game, but once she made her first basket in the second quarter, it led to eight-straight points.
Wingate made it a game throughout as both teams were tied 24-24 at halftime.
North Carolina’s defensive play eventually made the difference and was a key factor in earning the win.
The Tar Heels forced 19 steals that translated into 24 points throughout.
Summers scored 11 of her points in the third quarter helping to keep UNC ahead 54-48 late in the final 10 minutes of play, part of an 11-0 run to finish the game.
Walker’s three-pointer with less than three minutes left in regulation gave North Carolina some breathing room while earning the win.
North Carolina finishes its exhibition schedule on Monday when it hosts Mount Olive before opening the regular season at Carmichael against Gardner-Webb next Friday (Nov. 13).