Tar Heels’ Impressive Win Over Florida State
Caleb Wilson had a standout game as North Carolina defeated Florida State 79-66 in their ACC opener. Wilson, a freshman, made history by scoring 20 or more points in six straight games, finishing this one with 22 points and 16 rebounds.
He’s in a remarkable group, being only the sixth player in UNC history to achieve at least 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in a single game. His performance ties him with greats like Billy Cunningham and James Worthy.
Wilson has reached 20 points ten times this season, matching Phil Ford’s record for freshman performances. Coach Luke Loucks from Florida State praised Wilson, noting his potential to become a significant player in professional basketball.
The Tar Heels improved to 13-1, winning their seventh straight game. In contrast, Florida State dropped to 7-7, struggling in recent matches. Carolina has a strong home record, now 10-0 this season, and continues to be dominant against the Seminoles, winning the last seven matchups.
Kyan Evans also shined, hitting five three-pointers, and Seth Trimble added 20 points to the scoreboard. Henri Veesaar contributed with another double-double, demonstrating the depth and talent on this UNC team.
Wilson and Veesaar have combined for seven double-doubles this season, the most in the nation. They present a unique challenge for opponents. Wilson commented on their teamwork, suggesting that defenses might struggle to decide whom to focus on.
The Tar Heels took control of the game in the second half, outscoring Florida State and holding them to under 40% shooting. Notably, the defense has been a strong point for UNC, limiting opponents to under 75 points in every game this season—a feat not seen since 1981-82.
Coach Hubert Davis was pleased with the team’s adjustments after a sluggish first half. He emphasized the need to maintain better rhythm and intensity.
As for the historical element, UNC’s defense has shown remarkable consistency, echoing their successes from past seasons, while the offensive performance is becoming more fluid as players gel together.
Interesting Tidbits:
- Wilson continues an impressive streak, appearing in double figures for all 14 games this season, behind only Rashad McCants and Brandan Wright in UNC’s freshman history.
- The Tar Heels’ home court remains a fortress, boasting a record of 25-4 against Florida State in Chapel Hill.
- This game marked UNC’s 499th win in the Smith Center, their home since 1986.
Looking Ahead:
The Tar Heels will face SMU next, eager to continue their strong start to the year. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see how Wilson and his teammates will develop as the season progresses.
