The Tar Heels ended up with a season-tying low 9 points from its reserves.
Ironically, it was the UNC bench that helped salt away a win in Raleigh.
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Cam Johnson left the game at the 11:58 mark in the second half and would not return due to muscle cramps in his right leg.
From that point on, the Heels non-starters contributed seven points, including a big bucket by freshman Leaky Black to stretch a four-point game to six with 41 seconds remaining.
Carolina (12-3, 2-0) would hold on 90-82.The Wolfpack's second loss this season (13-2, 1-1).