The Carolina Tar Heels recently clinched their 11th consecutive win at the Smith Center, defeating Wake Forest 87-84. This victory brings their all-time record against Wake to 27-5 in that venue.
However, the game wasn’t without its challenges. The Heels had a good lead but watched as Wake Forest closed in, coming to within just one point at 75-74. Fortunately, Carolina nailed crucial free throws in the final moments to secure the win.
Free throws played a significant role in the outcome. While Carolina converted 20 of 30 attempts, Wake had a quieter day with just 11 attempts, making eight. Even though Carolina’s free-throw percentage was 66.7%, it was enough in the end. Jarin Stevenson hit two vital foul shots with just 5 seconds left, solidifying the win.
Guard play is an area for improvement. Alongside Seth Trimble, standout performers Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar did well, but the rest of the backcourt struggled. Trimble managed only 10 points, and Caleb took just two shots in the second half, which puts added pressure on the team.
One bright spot was Jaydon Young, who came off the bench to score 12 points, including hitting 3 of 5 three-pointers. However, outside of Young and Veesaar’s contributions, the team’s overall shooting from beyond the arc was dismal at 4 for 18.
Head coach Hubert Davis made adjustments before this match, including starting Stevenson for the first time since Trimble’s return from injury. This tactical shift aims to bolster the lineup for upcoming games.
Wake Forest became the second ACC team to rely heavily on three-pointers against Carolina this season. They took 34 shots from beyond the arc in total, landing 14—many from standout players Juke Harris and Nate Calmese, who combined for 12 three-pointers. Harris finished with a remarkable 28 points.
This win marks a milestone for the Tar Heels: their 500th victory at the Smith Center. They’re now 500-90 in the arena, which ranks among the best home records in college basketball. Coincidentally, this victory comes as the Tar Heels approach the 40th anniversary of their first game in the Smith Center, which took place on January 18, 1986.
On the defensive end, Carolina managed to force turnovers early in the game, scoring eight points off them. However, those opportunities waned as the game progressed. In contrast, the Heels dominated inside during the first half, outscoring Wake 28-14 in the paint, though that dominance dropped significantly in the second half.
The Heels also made crucial defensive plays, with key blocks from Trimble and Veesaar that helped preserve their lead, demonstrating the importance of solid defense in close games.
This weekend’s match saw a full house, drawing notable figures like Chicago Cubs first baseman Michael Busch and former Tar Heel basketball stars. The energy of a sellout crowd certainly contributed to the Heels’ performance.
As the schedule tightens, Carolina will head to California for two games before returning to face Notre Dame. With four of their next five games on the road, the team will be tested, making every game crucial as they push forward in the season.
In summary, while the Tar Heels are enjoying a winning streak and a significant milestone at home, they must address their guard play and shooting consistency as tougher games lie ahead. Keeping an eye on the developments from this season will be interesting, as coach Davis seeks to enhance team performance moving forward.
