Carolina had a strong road win against Georgia Tech, finishing 91-75 in chilly Atlanta. This victory marked a great milestone for freshman Caleb Wilson, who scored 22 points. This performance set two records: he had his 15th 20-point game, breaking a tie with Tar Heel legend Tyler Hansbrough, and he also set the record for scoring double figures in his first 21 games.
Another standout was Henri Veesaar, who added a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Fellow player Seth Trimble chipped in with 18 points too. Despite their strong post presence, Carolina leaned heavily on three-point attempts: they launched 31 shots from beyond the arc, making just eight. Historically, this season, they’ve both attempted and made more three-pointers than any season before.
Initially, Georgia Tech’s defense contained Wilson, keeping him scoreless for the first 12 minutes. However, he quickly turned it around, scoring 14 points in just under eight minutes before halftime, including an impressive one-handed dunk off a lob from Kyan Evans. Many fans compared it to a legendary dunk by Vince Carter nearly 30 years ago, emphasizing its jaw-dropping nature.
Efficiency was on Carolina’s side; they committed only two turnovers—a season low. This kind of performance allowed them to dominate in points off turnovers, leading 18-0 against Tech. Over their last two games, the Tar Heels have outscored opponents 37-2 in that category.
Luka Bogavac is making a name for himself as a go-to scorer, recently overcoming a shooting slump. He scored 16 points in this game and is finding his rhythm again, especially after moving into a more prominent role. His minutes increased sharply when he’s hitting shots, proving his worth to the team.
Carolina’s free-throw shooting was also impressive; they hit 11 of 12 attempts. Considering their recent struggles at the line, this was a much-needed boost. Yet, the game had a low foul count, which limited their opportunities.
A smart adjustment came during halftime. Instead of climbing up a steep hallway to the locker room, the team held their meeting in a more convenient spot at the bottom of the slope. It’s a simple but effective strategy.
The Tar Heel fans showed strong support at the game, which was advertised as a sellout. Notable alumni like Mitch Kupchak and Kenny Smith were present, adding to the excitement. This win improved Carolina’s record against Georgia Tech to 24-16 on the road, highlighting a successful history against the team, despite a long gap since their last matchup with a ranked opponent there.
Next up, Carolina faces Syracuse, wrapping up their road challenge before transitioning quickly to practice. They aim to keep this winning momentum going as they head back home.
