Close Call for North Carolina

Matt Doherty’s heart was racing.

North Carolina’s new coach lived up to his promise as an emotional leader, but the No. 6 Tar Heels didn’t necessarily live up to their high preseason ranking against Winthrop, pulling away late for a 66-61 victory in the NABC Classic on Friday night at Chapel Hill, N.C.

The Tar Heels, who returned four starters from last season’s Final Four team, struggled for most of Doherty’s first game as head coach of his alma mater, needing some late free throws to seal it. Freshman Brian Morrison and Kris Lang had 14 points each for the Tar Heels.

Tulsa 69, Arizona State 67--Dante Swanson’s steal and layup with 38.7 seconds left gave Tulsa a victory in the second game of the NABC Classic. Swanson’s go-ahead basket gave Buzz Peterson a win in his debut as Golden Hurricane coach.