The Tar Heels are gearing up for their first game of 2026 against SMU on January 3. This matchup marks UNC’s first Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) road game this season.
As of now, Carolina has a solid record of 13 wins and just 1 loss, making it the best start since 2008-09. The game will kick off at 2:15 p.m. Eastern on The CW.
Last year, the Tar Heels defeated the Mustangs, securing an 82-67 win in Chapel Hill. This matchup is special as it’s the first ACC game at SMU for the Tar Heels. Over the next couple of weeks, UNC will face all three of the league’s newest members, traveling to Stanford and Cal soon after this game.
The Mustangs boast impressive stats, leading the ACC in fast break points and scoring. Meanwhile, the Tar Heels have been defensively solid, allowing the fewest fast break points in the league and ranking top in field goal percentage defense nationally. Carolina’s defensive average is remarkable, as they have not permitted any opponent to score above 74 points this season.
In their last matchup against Florida State on December 30, Carolina secured a 79-66 victory. Freshman Caleb Wilson shone with 22 points and 16 rebounds, becoming the first Tar Heel freshman to score over 20 points in six consecutive games. His performance is drawing attention, as it aligns him with notable past players who have excelled similarly.
Junior point guard Kyan Evans also contributed significantly, hitting five three-pointers against Florida State, while red-shirt junior Henri Veesaar added 12 points and 12 rebounds.
#### Historical Context and Recent Trends
As the season progresses, the Tar Heels are deepening their legacy in the ACC. Their performance history has made them a standout program. In the 73 years of the ACC, Carolina leads with the most combined championships. Coach Hubert Davis is also making waves, holding an impressive record in regular-season ACC games. His leadership has seen Carolina achieve an impressive run over the past few years, including a regular-season title win.
Recently, social media has been buzzing about Caleb Wilson’s record-breaking performance. Fans are excited to witness his potential, drawing comparisons to legends like Tyler Hansbrough. His ability to influence games at such a young age is gaining attention across sports platforms.
In terms of statistics, Wilson is making waves nationally. He leads the country in dunks, clocking in 46 so far, and is also among the top players in rebounds. His ability to contribute in multiple areas has been crucial for UNC this season. Veesaar is another prominent player, and has made significant strides since transferring from Arizona, showcasing strong scoring and rebounding skills.
Overall, it’s an exciting time for the Tar Heels as they aim to continue their successful run against SMU and beyond. The community and fans are eagerly looking forward to cheering on this promising team as they make their mark in the ACC this season.
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