CHAPEL HILL, N.C. ? North Carolina shot only 41 percent, had 19 turnovers and failed to reach 100 points for the first time in four games. Coach Roy Williams described the effort as “ugly,” and most of his players concurred.

Imagine how Georgia Tech felt.

Jawad Williams led a balanced attack with 18 points, and the third-ranked Tar Heels rolled to another impressive victory, 91-69 over No. 8 Georgia Tech on Wednesday night.

“Today wasn’t the prettiest game,” Roy Williams said. “It was one of those ugly games, where you’ve got to score more points than the other team.”

Marvin Williams had 14 points, and Rashad McCants and Sean May each added 12 for North Carolina (14-1, 3-0 Atlantic Coast Conference), which has won 14 straight since an opening loss to Santa Clara. Point guard Raymond Felton was suspended for that game because he played in an non-sanctioned summer-league game, and with him on the court the Tar Heels have had few challenges.

The Yellow Jackets (11-3, 2-1) certainly didn’t provide much of a test. Playing without injured guard B.J. Elder for the third straight game, Georgia Tech led only at 1-0, quickly fell behind and never recovered. Jarrett Jack had 24 points, and Luke Schenscher finished with 13.

“They’re an outstanding team, maybe the best team in the country,” Yellow Jackets coach Paul Hewitt said.

No. 1 Illinois 90,

Penn State 64

North Carolina's Jackie Manuel, bottom, dives for a ball that Georgia Tech's Isma'il Muhammad grabs. The Tar Heels beat the Yellow Jackets, 91-69, Wednesday in Chapel Hill, N.C.

Champaign, Ill. — Luther Head and Dee Brown each made five three-pointers, leading Illinois. Head had 19 points and Brown added 15 as Illinois (17-0, 3-0 Big Ten) tied the school record with its 17th straight win. Geary Claxton had 16 points for Penn State (6-10, 0-3).

No. 9 Kentucky 69, Vanderbilt 54

Lexington, Ky. — Freshman guard Rajon Rondo scored a career-high 18 points and fueled a late run as the Wildcats (11-2, 2-0 Southeastern Conference) remained perfect in 28 games against Vanderbilt at Rupp Arena. Corey Smith had 16 points for Vanderbilt (11-5, 2-1), which had a seven-game winning streak snapped.

Tennessee 64,

No. 11 Mississippi State 63

Knoxville, Tenn. — Scooter McFadgon scored 14 points, helping the Volunteers (9-6, 2-1 SEC). Lawrence Roberts had 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Bulldogs (14-3, 2-1).

No. 18 Cincinnati 84,

East Carolina 78

Greenville, N.C. — Jason Maxiell scored 24 points for the Bearcats (14-1, 3-0 Conference USA). Corey Rouse had 21 points and 13 rebounds for the Pirates (5-10, 0-3).

No. 21 George Washington 85, St. Bonaventure 59

Olean, N.Y. — Pops Mensah-Bonsu scored 14 points, and the Colonials (11-2, 3-0 Atlantic 10) had six players in double figures.