Redshirt senior guard Malik Morgan drives to the hoop past UNC sophomore guard Kenny Williams. The Wave opened its season Friday night in the Smoothie King Center, but lost to the No. 6 ranked Tar Heels 95-75
A ranked opponent presented a tough initial challenge for first-year head coach Mike Dunleavy, Sr. and his team, who entered the game as 21-point underdogs. UNC soon proved itself as a strong adversary as it scored with and continued to build a lead through the first half.
The team would come close to regaining the lead when it trailed 20-19 with 8:44 to go in the first half after a three-pointer from redshirt junior forward Cameron Reynolds.