Tar Heels Look to Stay Hot at Home Against ETSU: What to Watch in Tuesday’s Matchup
The North Carolina Tar Heels are rolling into mid-December with momentum, swagger, and a top-15 ranking to back it up. Sitting at 9-1, UNC is off to its best 10-game start since the 2017-18 season - and they’ve got a chance to keep the good times going Tuesday night when they host East Tennessee State at the Dean E.
Smith Center (8 p.m. ET, ACC Network).
This will be the first meeting between the Tar Heels and the Buccaneers since 2012, and history has been kind to Carolina in this matchup - UNC holds a 6-0 all-time series lead. But don’t expect Hubert Davis’ squad to take anything for granted. ETSU enters with an 8-3 record and a reputation for forcing turnovers, which could test UNC’s ball security early and often.
Frontcourt Dominance Fueling UNC’s Start
One of the biggest reasons for North Carolina’s strong start? The frontcourt duo of Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar, who are putting up numbers that haven’t been seen in Chapel Hill in more than six decades.
Wilson is averaging 19.4 points and 10.6 rebounds per game, while Veesaar is right behind him at 16 points and 9.2 boards. If they keep this pace, they’ll become the first Tar Heel teammates to average at least 16 points and 9 rebounds in a season since the 1959-60 campaign.
It’s not just the stats - it’s the way they’re getting them. Wilson is a force on the glass, extending possessions and finishing through contact.
Veesaar, meanwhile, brings a smooth inside-out game that stretches defenses and opens up the floor. Together, they’re anchoring a Tar Heel team that’s been dominant at home, going 7-0 at the Smith Center so far.
Trimble Nearing Return
There’s more good news on the horizon for UNC. Senior guard Seth Trimble is inching closer to a return from injury. Head coach Hubert Davis shared on his radio show that Trimble has progressed to full 5-on-5 practice - a strong sign that his return is imminent.
Trimble’s leadership and defensive presence will be a welcome addition to a backcourt that’s already shown flashes of elite potential. Getting him back in the rotation could elevate this team’s ceiling even further as they head into a challenging stretch of the schedule.
What to Expect vs. ETSU
The Buccaneers bring a scrappy, turnover-hungry defense that could test UNC’s discipline. ETSU has shown it can disrupt rhythm and force mistakes, so Carolina’s ball-handlers will need to be sharp. But if the Tar Heels take care of the ball, they should be able to create plenty of high-percentage looks - especially in transition and through their bigs.
One area to watch closely: the rebounding battle. UNC wasn’t thrilled with its effort on the glass in the win over USC Upstate, and ETSU will look to exploit any lingering issues there. But with Wilson and Veesaar patrolling the paint, the Tar Heels have the tools to win that battle decisively.
Game Info: How to Watch and Listen
- Date: Tuesday, Dec. 16
- Time: 8 p.m. ET
- Location: Dean E. Smith Center, Chapel Hill, N.C.
- TV: ACC Network (Jay Alter and Terrence Oglesby on the call)
- Streaming: Fubo (free trial available)
- Radio: Tar Heel Sports Network (Jones Angell on play-by-play; Tyler Hansbrough and Tyler Zeller rotating as analysts; 97.9 FM locally in Chapel Hill; also available online via the Chapelboro website)
Betting Outlook
According to BetMGM, UNC enters as a heavy favorite - and for good reason. The Tar Heels are projected to win 86-66, with an over/under set at 149.5 points.
The key for bettors and fans alike? Keep an eye on how UNC handles ETSU’s pressure, and whether the Tar Heels can assert their dominance on the boards early.
Looking Ahead
After ETSU, the Tar Heels won’t have much time to rest. They’ll face Ohio State in Atlanta on Dec. 20 as part of the CBS Sports Classic, followed by a Dec. 22 home game against ECU, and then it’s straight into ACC play with Florida State closing out the calendar year on Dec. 30.
But first, it’s about taking care of business at home - and if UNC continues to play the way it has, especially in Chapel Hill, the Buccaneers will have their hands full.
Bottom line: The Heels are trending in the right direction, and Tuesday night is another chance to show just how dangerous this team can be.