CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Interstat) — Caleb Wilson recorded a double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds as North Carolina overpowered North Carolina Central 97-53 in a nonconference men’s basketball game Friday night at a packed Dean Smith Center.

The Tar Heels, playing in front of 17,522 fans, improved to 4-0 on the young season, while the Eagles fell to 1-4.

North Carolina’s dominance was established on both ends of the floor. The Tar Heels shot 54.5% from the field, connecting on 30 of 55 attempts, while holding the Eagles to a frigid 24.2% on 16-of-66 shooting. The defensive effort was punctuated by a staggering 14 blocked shots, led by Henri Veesaar’s five swats. Veesaar also posted a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.

The game was never in doubt as North Carolina used a 19-4 run midway through the first half to build a commanding lead. After a 3-pointer from North Carolina Central’s Gage Lattimore cut the early deficit to 7-4, the Tar Heels took control. A dunk from Wilson, a 3-pointer from Luka Bogavac and another dunk from Wilson fueled the outburst, pushing the lead to 26-10 and forcing an Eagles timeout.

North Carolina led 39-24 at halftime and then exploded for 58 points in the second half, consistently extending its advantage. The Tar Heels’ offensive efficiency was stark, scoring 97 points on just 70 possessions for an offensive rating of 139.3. The Eagles managed only 53 points on 76 possessions, an offensive rating of 69.3.

Wilson, a 6-foot-10 sophomore from Atlanta, was the catalyst, adding four blocks and three assists to his stat line in 28 minutes of action. Kyan Evans directed the offense with seven assists, while Bogavac chipped in 13 points.

North Carolina Central was led by Ramondo Battle, who scored 14 points. The Eagles struggled to find any consistent offensive rhythm against the Tar Heels’ length and defensive pressure, finishing with just six assists as a team.

The Tar Heels also won the battle on the glass, outrebounding the Eagles 49-34 and pulling down 12 offensive rebounds. North Carolina’s depth was on full display as 10 different players scored, including key contributions from Zayden High with 11 points and Derek Dixon with nine.

North Carolina will look to remain undefeated when it hosts Navy on Tuesday. North Carolina Central returns home to face Toccoa Falls the same night.