Postgame Recap: UNC vs. Ohio State
The North Carolina Tar Heels edged out Ohio State with a thrilling 71-70 victory on December 20, 2025, during the CBS Sports Classic in Atlanta.
Henri Veesaar made the decisive dunk with just seven seconds left, marking a clutch moment for the Tar Heels. His basket was the first go-ahead shot in the last 10 seconds for UNC in a win since Elliot Cadeau’s memorable four-point play against Notre Dame nearly a year ago.
This win was particularly significant as it was Carolina’s first one-point victory since a narrow 67-66 win over Pitt earlier this year. The Tar Heels have a great track record in the CBS Sports Classic, improving to 8-4, and remain undefeated against the Buckeyes.
Caleb Wilson shone brightly in this game, leading all scorers with 20 points and grabbing an impressive 15 rebounds. Notably, he secured 16 of those points in the second half. This marked his eighth double-double in just 12 college games. He tied his season high of nine field goals, sharing that achievement with Veesaar, who also recorded a double-double, with 17 points and 10 rebounds.
Seth Trimble made a significant comeback after missing nine games due to a broken forearm. He contributed 17 points, hitting three key three-pointers in the second half. Freshman Derek Dixon also played well, tying his season high with four assists.
As a team, the Tar Heels recorded 22 assists on 28 baskets, showcasing their teamwork. Over the past three games, they have amassed 60 assists on 83 field goals. Their defense was robust, holding Ohio State to just 39.7% shooting. When UNC keeps opponents under 40%, they have a remarkable 8-0 record this season, and 53-4 under head coach Hubert Davis.
Despite the win, Carolina struggled from the free-throw line, shooting only 53.8%, their lowest percentage and attempts of the season. However, their bench made a statement, outscoring Ohio State’s bench 15-0, marking the first time since January 2020 that the opponents did not score a single bench point.
With this victory, UNC strengthens its historical record against Ohio State to 14-3, continuing its strong performance in neutral-site games.
For further insights on college basketball statistics and team performances, you can check out the NCAA’s official website for the latest updates and analyses.
