UNC Handles Georgia Tech with Authority, Caleb Wilson Makes History
In a game that could’ve easily been a trap, North Carolina walked into McCamish Pavilion with a clear objective: handle business, start fast, and leave no doubt. Mission accomplished.
The Tar Heels wasted no time asserting themselves, jumping out to a 7-0 lead. Georgia Tech briefly answered with an 8-0 run of their own, but that was the last time UNC trailed. From that point on, it was all Carolina.
What stood out wasn’t just the final score - a convincing 91-75 win - but the way UNC controlled the game’s tempo and dictated the terms of engagement. Even with star freshman Caleb Wilson on the bench during a key first-half stretch, the Tar Heels didn’t flinch. A 14-7 run in that span pushed them to a 22-14 lead, and they never looked back.
By halftime, UNC had built a 15-point cushion, leading 52-37 after pouring in 30 points over the final 9:53 of the half. That offensive surge was a mix of crisp ball movement, confident shooting, and a Georgia Tech defense that simply couldn’t keep up.
In the second half, the Tar Heels kept their foot on the gas. They led by 20 on two separate occasions and stretched that to as much as 21 with under two minutes to play. This wasn’t just a win - it was a statement.
Caleb Wilson: Freshman Phenom, Record Breaker
Let’s talk about Caleb Wilson. The freshman continues to put up numbers that feel more like something out of a video game than a college stat sheet.
With 22 points against the Yellow Jackets, he set a new UNC record for most 20-point games by a freshman - his 15th of the season. That breaks the mark set by none other than Tyler Hansbrough back in 2005-06, a name that still echoes in Chapel Hill circles.
Wilson wasn’t just scoring, either. He added five assists, showing off his growing feel as a playmaker and proving once again that he’s far more than just a bucket-getter. He’s evolving into the kind of all-around threat that can carry a team deep into March.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Wilson’s record-setting night grabbed headlines, this was far from a one-man show. Henri Veesaar was a force inside, dropping 20 points and pulling down 12 rebounds for a strong double-double. His presence in the paint gave UNC a physical edge that Georgia Tech couldn’t match.
Seth Trimble chipped in 18 points, continuing to look more comfortable and confident with each passing game. Luka Bogavac added 16 of his own, rounding out a balanced scoring attack that gave the Yellow Jackets fits all afternoon.
When UNC can get this kind of production from multiple sources, they become a nightmare to defend. You can try to focus on Wilson, but if Veesaar is controlling the glass and Trimble is attacking off the dribble, good luck.
Big Picture: ACC Implications
With the win, Carolina moves to 17-4 overall and 5-3 in the ACC. That’s a strong position as the conference slate heats up. The Tar Heels are starting to look like a team that’s finding its rhythm - and its identity - at just the right time.
Georgia Tech, meanwhile, drops to 11-11 and 2-7 in conference play. While the Yellow Jackets showed flashes, they simply couldn’t match UNC’s depth, execution, or intensity.
Final Word
This was the kind of performance that reminds you why North Carolina is always a factor in the college basketball conversation. They came in focused, executed their game plan, and left with a convincing road win and a little history made along the way.
If Caleb Wilson keeps playing at this level - and if the supporting cast keeps showing up like this - the Tar Heels are going to be a tough out for anyone.