Nov. 29, 2003

Box Score| Quotes| Notes

CLEVELAND - Jawad Williams scored 24 points, including a go-ahead 3-pointer, and grabbed nine rebounds as No. 10 North Carolina escaped with an 82-76 triumph over Cleveland State.

The Tar Heels (3-0), trailed, 76-72, with three minutes remaining before closing the game on a 10-0 run. Williams, a Cleveland native, gave North Carolina a 78-76 advantage with a 3-pointer with 1:26 left.

Raymond Felton and Melvin Scott each nailed a pair of free throws in the final minute to help the Tar Heels secure the victory in the first meeting between the schools.

Sean May contributed 19 points and Rashad McCants 18 for North Carolina, which jumped out to a 25-11 lead midway through the first half before Cleveland State rallied to take a 41-37 halftime edge.

Omari Westley had 20 points and 11 rebounds and Percell Coles chipped in 15 points for the Vikings (2-1).