Tar Heels Shake Off Rust, Overpower Florida State to Open ACC Play
After an eight-day layoff, North Carolina looked every bit like a team trying to find its rhythm early - but once they did, it was all Tar Heels from there. Despite a 1-for-11 start from the field, UNC settled in and took control, pulling away from Florida State for a 79-66 win at the Dean Smith Center. The victory moves the Tar Heels to 13-1 on the season and, more importantly, 1-0 in ACC play.
Let’s be clear: this wasn’t a shooting clinic. Carolina hit just 43% from the field and 29% from three.
But what they lacked in perimeter efficiency, they made up for in physicality, depth, and dominance in the paint. The Heels outscored Florida State 42-20 inside and won the battle on the glass 47-37.
That kind of interior control is how you win games when the shots aren’t falling - and it’s exactly what UNC did.
Caleb Wilson: The Engine Behind It All
Caleb Wilson continues to look like the best player in the ACC, and he played like it again Tuesday night. The freshman phenom dropped 22 points, pulled down 16 rebounds, dished out 6 assists, and added 2 blocks in a performance that showcased the full arsenal.
He was relentless on the glass, decisive in the post, and surgical in transition. Wilson now has six straight 20-point games, breaking Phil Ford’s freshman record - and he’s doing it with a calm command that belies his age.
Wilson’s passing, particularly in the open floor, was a difference-maker. He’s not just scoring at a high level - he’s facilitating offense, setting up teammates, and controlling tempo. That kind of versatility is rare, and it’s what makes him such a matchup nightmare.
Trimble’s Return Sparks Transition Game
Seth Trimble’s return to the lineup added a jolt of energy, especially in transition. The junior guard poured in 20 points and went 8-of-11 from the free-throw line, attacking the rim with purpose and giving UNC a much-needed downhill threat. His ability to push the pace helped Carolina notch 20 fast-break points - a stark contrast to Florida State’s 4.
His presence also allowed UNC to stretch its rotation and maintain defensive intensity throughout the game. Trimble’s pressure on both ends sets the tone, and his return is already paying dividends.
Balanced Scoring, Even on an Off Night
Even with the team’s shooting woes, UNC had four players score in double figures. Kyan Evans chipped in 15 points - all from beyond the arc - in his best scoring effort since the season opener.
While he didn’t record an assist, his outside shooting helped open up space for Wilson and Veesaar to operate inside. The coaching staff has been working to build Evans’ confidence, and this performance was a step in the right direction.
Henri Veesaar added 12 points and 12 rebounds, notching another double-double alongside Wilson. That’s now seven games this season where both have hit that mark - the fourth-most by a duo in program history. Veesaar didn’t score in the first half but made his presence felt late, particularly on the boards and around the rim.
Defense Continues to Set the Tone
Defense has been the calling card for this UNC squad, and it showed again Tuesday. The Tar Heels held Florida State to just 35% shooting from the field and 30% from three, limiting the Seminoles to under one point per possession.
Carolina extended its defense full-court at times, forcing FSU to initiate offense well beyond the arc. Even though UNC only forced nine turnovers, they turned those into 11 points - another small edge that added up over 40 minutes.
This marks the 14th straight game that UNC has held an opponent under 75 points. The numbers back it up: this is a top-10 defense nationally, and they’re playing like it.
Rotation Watch: Changes Coming?
With Trimble back and Evans stepping up, Hubert Davis may have some decisions to make with the starting five. Luka Bogavac got the start but went scoreless in 13 minutes, shooting 0-for-5.
Meanwhile, Jonathan Powell logged 25 minutes off the bench, scoring 6 points and adding 3 rebounds and 3 assists. Jarin Stevenson also saw 14 minutes, showing his versatility as a combo forward.
Davis has trusted Stevenson at the “3” spot in the past, and with Powell making an impact off the bench, there could be a shakeup coming. The next game is Saturday, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the rotation tweaked again.
Free Throws Trending Up
Free throw shooting has been a point of emphasis for this group, and Tuesday was a step forward. UNC went 14-of-20 from the line (70%), with Trimble leading the way.
Wilson also turned in a solid night at the stripe, going 4-for-5. While there’s still room for improvement, the Heels are trending in the right direction - and that could pay off big in tight conference games.
Special Teams: Winning the Margins
UNC didn’t just win the paint and the glass - they won the margins. Both teams had 15 second-chance points, but Carolina dominated in fast-break scoring and controlled the tempo throughout. When you combine that with elite defense and rebounding, you can afford a cold shooting night and still win comfortably.
What’s Next?
This win closes out the 2025 calendar year with a 13-1 record - the program’s best start in over 15 years. And while the victory over Florida State may not move the needle in the ACC title race, it’s the kind of game you have to win if you want to be playing for something meaningful in March. So far, this team is doing just that.
Unlike last season, this Carolina squad is taking care of business - especially at home. They’re winning the games they’re supposed to win, and doing it with depth, defense, and a budding superstar in Caleb Wilson. That’s a formula that travels - and one that could carry them deep into March.