UNC tops USC 88-70 in Malone exhibition debut

North Carolina opened the Michael Malone era with an 88-70 preseason win over USC, powered by strong performances from returning guard Isaiah Denis, who scored a career-high 14 points, and transfer guard Nikolas Avdalas, who added 15 points, nine rebounds and five assists. Denis said Malone and the coaching staff made him feel wanted and encouraged him to play freely after he had seen limited action the previous season. Freshman Maximo Adams also impressed off the bench with 11 points and six rebounds, while Jarin Stevenson was described as the best player on the court. Two other prominent transfer additions, Able and Brown, combined for only five points, underscoring the uneven early returns from Malone’s rebuilt roster.