CHARLOTTE, N.C. (CHARLOTTE SPORTS LIVE) — The Spectrum Center was roaring to life Thursday afternoon as fans watched the UNC basketball team roll in their first-round matchup. 
The 1-seeded Tar Heels cruised past No. 16 Wagner in the second half for a 90-62 win in front of essentially a home crowd in the Queen City.
UNC’s stars came up big with R.J. Davis and Armondo Bacot both scoring 20-plus points. However, it was local product Jae’Lyn Withers who also made waves by posting a double-double. The former North Mecklenburg High player poured in 16 off the bench, adding 10 rebounds.
The Heels held a 12-point halftime lead, and exploded for 50 points in the second frame to bury the out-manned Seahawks.
Wagner had two players score 18 points, Melvin Council Jr. And Julian Brown.
UNC shot at least 50 percent, both overall (55) and from 3-point range (50).
They next face Michigan State on Saturday, at a time to be determined. The 9-seeded Spartans dismantled No. 8 Mississippi State earlier in the day, 69-51.
It sets up a rematch of the 2009 national championship game, won by the Heels.
There are two games Thursday night at the Spectrum. The first between (7) Texas and (10) Colorado State, then (2) Tennessee will face (15) Saint Peter’s.
