UPDATE: In a thrilling game that just concluded, Caleb Wilson exploded with 22 points, 16 rebounds, and 6 assists, leading No. 12 North Carolina to a decisive 79-66 victory over Florida State in Chapel Hill on January 2, 2024. This win marks the start of Atlantic Coast Conference play for the Tar Heels.
Wilson, a standout freshman at 6-foot-10, showcased his athleticism with four spectacular dunks, clearly emerging as the game’s dominant force. Senior Seth Trimble contributed significantly, adding 20 points and 7 rebounds, while Kyan Evans netted 15 points on five 3-pointers, and Henri Veesaar recorded a strong double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
The Tar Heels improved their record to 13-1 and extended their best start in over 15 years, showcasing resilience against a persistent Seminoles team now at 7-7. Florida State, under new head coach Luke Loucks, who took over after Leonard Hamilton stepped down, attempted to leverage their strong 3-point shooting, ranking 11th nationally in made 3s per game.
Despite entering the game with impressive stats—averaging 11.4 made 3-pointers and 36.2 attempts per game—FSU struggled in the second half. They had seven 3-pointers by halftime but could only manage 5 of 21 (23.8%) after the break. Chauncey Wiggins led the Seminoles with 16 points and 10 rebounds, but the team shot just 34.8% overall.
North Carolina pulled away in the second half with a decisive 18-3 run, establishing a commanding 16-point lead. Critical plays from Trimble and Veesaar, including a momentum-shifting transition dunk, solidified their control of the game.
In a unique visual twist, the Tar Heels donned blue road uniforms at home, a rare occurrence in the nearly 40-year history of the Smith Center. This game not only marked an important conference win but also provided fans with an unforgettable performance from their freshman star.
Looking ahead, Florida State will host No. 6 Duke this Saturday, while North Carolina prepares for a visit to SMU on the same day. Stay tuned for updates as both teams continue their seasons in the competitive ACC.