CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Interstat) — In a game defined by physicality and trips to the free-throw line, the North Carolina Tar Heels used a dominant first-half run to pull away from the Radford Highlanders and secure an 89-74 victory Tuesday night at a boisterous Dean Smith Center.

A crowd of 16,613 watched as the Tar Heels, playing their third game of the young season, improved to 3-0, while the Highlanders moved to 2-1.

North Carolina’s victory was anchored by its ability to draw fouls and capitalize at the charity stripe. The Tar Heels attempted 49 free throws, making 31, while Radford went 19 for 31 from the line. This 12-point disparity at the free-throw line proved to be a decisive factor in the final margin.

The game was a contest of contrasting offensive efficiencies. North Carolina scored its 89 points on 86 possessions, translating to an offensive rating of 103.2. Radford, meanwhile, managed 74 points on 87 possessions for an offensive rating of 85.3, hampered by 34.3 percent shooting from the field.

After a competitive opening few minutes, North Carolina seized control with a 16-0 run midway through the first half. The surge transformed a narrow 14-12 lead into a commanding 30-12 advantage, a deficit from which the Highlanders could not fully recover. The run was fueled by defensive pressure and efficient scoring from a deep Tar Heels roster.

Radford’s Dennis Parker and Del Jones kept their team within striking distance with aggressive offensive performances. Parker, a 6-foot-6 guard from Richmond, Virginia, led all scorers with 23 points, while Jones, from Landover, Maryland, added 22. Their efforts helped Radford outscore North Carolina 43-45 in the second half, but the first-half hole was too deep to escape.

North Carolina’s attack was more balanced and potent. Henri Veesaar, a 7-foot center from Tallinn, Estonia, provided a major interior presence, scoring 18 points. He was complemented by Luka Bogavac of Mojkovac, Montenegro, who tallied 19 points and dished out five assists, and Chapel Hill native Jarin Stevenson, who came off the bench to contribute 15 points.

The Tar Heels also saw significant contributions from Caleb Wilson of Atlanta, who posted 13 points, and Jonathan Powell of Centerville, Ohio, who added eight points.

Defensively, both teams were active, each recording seven steals and forcing 11 turnovers. North Carolina held a slight edge on the glass with 13 offensive rebounds to Radford’s nine, leading to crucial second-chance opportunities.

The game’s physical nature was evident from the start, with numerous fouls called on both sides. North Carolina’s ability to consistently attack the basket and draw contact ultimately wore down the visiting Highlanders.

With the win, North Carolina continues its homestand, preparing to host North Carolina Central on Friday. Radford, meanwhile, looks to rebound as they travel to a neutral site in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, to face Wright State on Saturday.