As the calendar winds down and the holiday break approaches, the North Carolina Tar Heels are putting a bow on what’s been a strong start to their 2025-26 campaign. After surviving a high-pressure finish against Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic, Hubert Davis' squad returns to Chapel Hill for one final non-conference matchup - a Monday night showdown with East Carolina at the Dean Smith Center.
This one isn’t just about adding another win to the column. It’s a chance to tighten things up before ACC play begins, and for a team sitting at 11-1, every possession matters as the stakes rise.
A Statement Start
Let’s not overlook what UNC has already accomplished. At 11-1 overall and a perfect 8-0 at home, the Tar Heels have been as steady as they’ve been explosive. They’ve picked up two wins over Top 25 opponents and have shown flashes of the kind of balance and depth that can carry a team deep into March.
This East Carolina matchup is the final tune-up before conference play begins, and while the Pirates come in with a 5-7 record, this is no time for complacency. The Tar Heels have seen what can happen when an underdog gets hot - especially from deep. And that’s exactly what they’ll look to prevent.
Defensive Focus: Guarding the Arc
If there’s one key to this game, it’s making sure East Carolina doesn’t find their rhythm from beyond the arc. The Pirates have struggled mightily from three-point range this season, connecting on just 25.9% of their attempts. On paper, that’s a weakness UNC should be able to exploit.
But there’s a strange energy that often hits visiting teams in the Smith Center - suddenly, a cold-shooting squad finds a spark, and one hot hand can change the game. The Tar Heels know that story well. So the defensive focus will be on limiting clean looks, staying disciplined on closeouts, and continuing the strong perimeter defense that’s been a calling card of this team early on.
All Eyes on Trimble vs. Riley
One of the more intriguing matchups to watch will be on the defensive end, where Seth Trimble - fresh off a gritty performance against Ohio State’s Bruce Thornton - will likely draw East Carolina’s top scorer, Jordan Riley.
Riley is a 6-foot-5 senior guard who’s been carrying the scoring load for the Pirates, averaging 21.7 points per game. He’s aggressive, physical, and capable of getting downhill in a hurry. But his efficiency tells a more complicated story: while he’s shooting 42.9% from the field, his three-point shooting (20%) and free throw percentage (54.5%) leave a lot to be desired.
Trimble’s job will be to keep Riley out of rhythm - force him into tough mid-range looks, stay in front on drives, and make every catch a battle. If Trimble can replicate the lockdown effort he showed on Thornton, UNC will have a major edge in neutralizing East Carolina’s offensive engine.
Frontcourt Firepower
Offensively, the Tar Heels continue to lean on their dynamic frontcourt duo: freshman forward Caleb Wilson and junior center Henri Veesaar. Wilson’s been sensational, averaging 19.5 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, and showing a poise beyond his years. Veesaar has been nearly as dominant, putting up 16.9 points and 9.1 boards per contest.
Together, they’ve given UNC a high-low presence that’s difficult to match. Wilson’s versatility - able to stretch the floor, attack off the dribble, and crash the glass - pairs perfectly with Veesaar’s interior scoring and rim protection. Expect both to be heavily involved against an East Carolina front line that will have its hands full trying to contain them.
Supporting Cast Stepping Up
Don’t overlook the contributions from Luka Bogavac, the junior guard who’s quietly become a steady presence in the backcourt. He’s averaging 11.5 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists - numbers that don’t jump off the page, but speak to his balanced impact. Bogavac has shown the ability to hit timely shots and make smart reads, which will be crucial as the Tar Heels transition into the grind of conference play.
The History
These programs have met three times before, and UNC has taken all three matchups. The last came back in 2014, when the Tar Heels rolled to a 108-64 win behind big performances from J.P.
Tokoto and Brice Johnson. That kind of margin is rare, but it’s also a reminder of the gap in talent and execution between these two programs historically.
Still, no game is won on paper - and the Tar Heels know better than to sleepwalk through this one.
Projected Starters - North Carolina
- G - Kyan Evans (No. 0)
- G - Seth Trimble (No. 7)
- G - Luka Bogavac (No. 44)
- F - Caleb Wilson (No. 8)
- C - Henri Veesaar (No. 13)
Final Thoughts
This is a classic trap-game scenario - final game before the break, coming off an emotional win, and facing a team with nothing to lose. But if UNC sticks to its identity - defending the arc, dominating the paint, and letting its stars lead the way - they should close out non-conference play with a win and head into the ACC slate with real momentum.
The Tar Heels have looked the part of a contender so far. Monday night is about staying sharp, staying focused, and showing they’re ready for the next level of competition.