UNC basketball lost 76-58 vs. Indiana in the Tar Heels’ second preseason exhibition game under first-year coach Michael Malone.
The Tar Heels trailed by double digits throughout the second half, falling behind by as much as 22 points against the Hoosiers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The good news for UNC, which only led for 2:12, is this game doesn’t count against its record.
The Heels will close out their preseason schedule against Charlotte on Tuesday, Oct. 17 (7:30 p.m., ACC Network Extra), at the Smith Center.
Here are 10 observations from UNC’s exhibition game vs. Indiana.
Sayon Keita was UNC basketball’s best player vs Indiana
Sayon Keita started the game with a three-point play after a dunk and was UNC’s best player throughout the game. The 7-foot-1 freshman center finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks for the Tar Heels.
Jarin Stevenson didn’t bring his best for UNC vs Indiana
Jarin Stevenson, who had 25 points and 10 rebounds in the preseason game against USC, didn’t score until the final four minutes against Indiana. Stevenson missed each of his six shots before making a 3-pointer. The Tar Heels can’t be the best version of themselves if Stevenson has quiet nights.
UNC got crushed in rebounding battle vs Indiana
The Tar Heels got bullied on the boards vs. Indiana, which had a 53-31 rebounding advantage against a UNC team that is still figuring things out with Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar in the NBA. The Hoosiers had 20 offensive rebounds and scored 17 second-chance points on those opportunities.
Indiana guard Bryce Lindsay torched UNC
UNC didn’t have an answer for Bryce Lindsay, who had 18 of his 26 points in the first half to give the Hoosiers a lead they wouldn’t give up. The Tar Heels didn’t have a clear plan of communication on ball screens against Indiana’s veteran guards. Duke transfer Darren Harris and Notre Dame transfer Markus Burton added 11 points each for the Hoosiers.
Matt Able was better for UNC vs Indiana
N.C. State transfer Matt Able was better in his second exhibition game for the Tar Heels, scoring eight of his 11 points in the first half. The Tar Heels need Able's 3-point shooting and defensive versatility this season.
Terrence Brown still figuring things out with UNC
Utah transfer Terrence Brown finished with 7 points on 3 of 9 shooting, finishing with 3 assists and 3 turnovers. The Tar Heels need him to be better than that this season, but it's clear he's still trying to find his way and get comfortable.
Neo Avdalas struggled with turnovers for UNC vs Indiana
Neo Avdalas had 6 points on 11 shots and 4 turnovers for UNC against the Hoosiers. Avdalas didn't look as comfortable as he did against Southern Cal.
UNC offense struggled to find good shots
The Tar Heels took a lot of contested jumpers, finishing 35% from the floor.
UNC missed free throws vs Indiana
The Tar Heels finished 5 of 11 (45%) from the free-throw line.
Jaydon Young gave UNC something off the bench
Because of Bryce Lindsay, the bench points were a bit out of whack. But UNC returner Jaydon Young gave the Tar Heels some pop off the bench with 10 points, including a pair of 3-pointers.
Rodd Baxley covers North Carolina Tar Heels athletics for The Fayetteville Observer as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his ACC coverage on X/Twitter or Bluesky: @RoddBaxley. Got questions regarding UNC? Send them to rbaxley@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: Sayon Keita shows potential, other UNC basketball observations in loss to Indiana