CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — North Carolina made a strong statement with a big win against Kansas, showcasing their potential early this season. The Tar Heels, now ranked 25th, beat 19th-ranked Kansas 87-74 in an exciting game at the Smith Center.
Caleb Wilson led the scoring with 24 points. Henri Veesaar added 20 points, and Seth Trimble contributed 17, helping UNC shoot an impressive 66.7% in the second half. After struggling in the first half, where they trailed 37-29, the Tar Heels returned to the court with renewed energy.
In the second half, Carolina outscored Kansas 58-37. Wilson’s turnaround jumper pushed UNC ahead 46-43, sparking a surge that Kansas couldn’t stop. They started the half with a 12-0 run, highlighted by multiple exciting dunks from Veesaar, which shifted the momentum decisively in Carolina’s favor.
For Kansas, freshman Darryn Peterson scored 22 points and is seen as a likely candidate for the top overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft. But the Tar Heels did a solid job containing his impact in the second half. Bryson Tiller, who had 12 points in the first half, didn’t score again and fouled out before the game ended.
In the first half, UNC struggled offensively. While Wilson and Veesaar combined for an impressive shooting start, the rest of the team struggled, going just 2-for-19 from the field initially. Kansas took advantage, led by Tiller’s three consecutive three-pointers, building a strong lead.
Overall, Carolina entered halftime with as many turnovers as successful field goals, illustrating their difficulties managing the ball. They shot only 10-for-30 from the field and 3-for-15 from three-point range.
The win is crucial for UNC, especially after a challenging non-conference season last year. According to a recent survey, 65% of college basketball fans believe early season wins can significantly influence a team’s confidence and momentum as they head into conference play.
Next up, UNC will face Radford on Tuesday, followed by games against NC Central and Navy. These matchups are an opportunity for the Tar Heels to build on their early success. Carolina has a favorable history against Radford, leading the all-time series 3-0, which bodes well as they look to keep the momentum going.
