COL BKB: North Carolina 93, E. Carolina 87

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CHAPEL HILL, N.C., Dec. 15 (UPI) -- James Michael McAdoo scored 19 points and P.J. Hairston added 18 in 18th-ranked North Carolina's 93-87 win over in-state foe East Carolina.

The win was the third in a row for the Tar Heels (8-2) since their lost to Indiana Nov. 27.

Akeem Richmond led East Carolina (6-2) with 17 points off the bench. Fellow reserve Miguel Paul scored and starter Maurice Kemp both scored 15.

North Carolina ran off to a 42-26 lead at halftime, but the Pirates outscored the Heels 61-51 in a wild second half. Richmond scored a 3-pointer with 34 seconds left in regulation to pull the Pirates to 89-85, but Dexter Strickland sank a pair of free throws to prevent any further gains.