The North Carolina Tar Heels rang out 2025 in style, dispatching the Florida State Seminoles 79-66 in their Atlantic Coast Conference opener at the Dean Smith Center on Tuesday night. The win, which improved UNC’s record to a sparkling 13-1 overall and 1-0 in ACC play, was a showcase for the Tar Heels’ blend of youthful energy and veteran poise—a combination that’s quickly making them one of the most talked-about squads in college basketball.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing from the start. Both teams opened the contest ice-cold, combining for just 3-of-15 shooting in the early going. The Seminoles managed a narrow 5-3 lead as the Dean Dome crowd waited for the action to heat up. But after trading baskets, UNC’s offense found its rhythm, sparked by a 14-7 run that put them ahead 17-12. The Tar Heels built a double-digit cushion with two minutes left in the first half, but Florida State clawed back with a late 6-0 surge, trimming the deficit to 40-34 at halftime.
“We started slow, but we stuck together and just kept pushing,” said freshman phenom Caleb Wilson, whose performance would soon electrify the home fans. And what a performance it was. Wilson finished the night with 22 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists, officially notching a double-double before the midway point of the second half. According to Carolina Basketball Stats & Info, “Caleb Wilson is the first UNC freshman ever to have six consecutive 20-point games.” That’s not just a stat—it’s a statement.
Wilson’s highlight moment came with just under 11 minutes to go. After a slick pass through the lane, the freshman soared and hammered home a thunderous dunk, sending the Dean Dome into a frenzy and pushing UNC’s lead to 55-46. That monster jam was the centerpiece of a 16-3 Tar Heels run that all but broke the Seminoles’ resistance. From there, UNC kept its foot on the gas, never letting Florida State get closer than seven points the rest of the way.
But Wilson wasn’t the only Tar Heel making noise. Seth Trimble poured in 20 points and added seven rebounds, while Henri Veesaar delivered a double-double of his own with 12 points and 12 boards. Kyan Evans, meanwhile, provided a spark from beyond the arc—he finished with 15 points, all coming from three-pointers, each one seemingly arriving at a crucial moment to halt a Seminole rally.
“It was a total team effort tonight,” said UNC head coach, beaming after the win. “Caleb set the tone, but everyone stepped up. Seth’s energy, Henri’s work on the glass, Kyan’s shooting—those were all huge for us.”
For Florida State, the night was a reminder of the challenges that come with ACC play. The Seminoles entered the contest riding a modest two-game win streak, including an 87-63 victory over Jacksonville where Martin Somerville erupted for 23 points. But against UNC’s stifling defense and relentless pace, they struggled to find a consistent rhythm. The Noles had entered the game averaging 85 points per contest, but the Tar Heels’ defense (ranked 16th nationally in points allowed) held them well below that mark.
Florida State’s struggles against power conference opponents continued—they’re now 0-5 in such games this season. Their defensive woes were apparent, as UNC found ways to score both inside and out, especially in transition. “We just couldn’t get stops when we needed them,” admitted FSU coach. “Give Carolina credit—they’re a tough, disciplined team, and Wilson is a special player.”
Betting lines coming into the game reflected UNC’s status as heavy favorites. Most sportsbooks had the Tar Heels favored by 14.5 points, with an over/under set at 165.5. Expert predictions leaned strongly toward a UNC win, some even forecasting a double-digit blowout. The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulated the matchup 10,000 times, recommended taking the under, citing both teams’ recent trends and UNC’s defensive prowess. In the end, the total points landed well below the line, further validating the model’s advice.
Historically, the Tar Heels have dominated this series, and Tuesday’s result was no exception. With the victory, UNC extended its all-time record in ACC openers to 65-8 and maintained its iron grip over Florida State in Chapel Hill—the Seminoles haven’t won at the Dean Dome since 2010. The all-time series now stands at 57-16 in favor of the Tar Heels, a testament to their enduring home-court advantage.
Looking back at December, it’s clear UNC has been building momentum. The Tar Heels closed out their nonconference slate with a 99-51 demolition of East Carolina, led again by Wilson’s 21 points and 12 rebounds, and Veesaar’s 16-point, 10-rebound double-double. Their only blemish so far came in a 74-58 loss at Michigan State on November 27, but since then, it’s been nothing but W’s for the boys in Carolina blue.
As for what’s next, the Tar Heels will hit the road for a Saturday showdown against SMU in Dallas, tipping off at 2:15 p.m. That matchup will mark their first contest of the new year and another opportunity for Wilson and company to prove their mettle away from home. With conference play now underway, every game takes on added significance in the race for ACC supremacy.
For Florida State, the road doesn’t get any easier. The Seminoles will need to regroup quickly if they hope to compete in a loaded ACC. While Martin Somerville’s sharpshooting and Chauncey Wiggins’ inside presence offer reasons for optimism, the Noles must find a way to tighten up defensively and execute better against elite opposition.
But tonight belonged to North Carolina—a team that’s not just winning, but doing so with style, grit, and a sense of history. With Caleb Wilson rewriting the freshman record books and the supporting cast delivering night in and night out, the Tar Heels have served notice to the rest of the ACC: they’re here, and they’re for real.
As the final horn sounded and the Dean Dome crowd roared, one thing was clear: the Tar Heels have set the bar high for 2026, and if this performance is any indication, fans in Chapel Hill have plenty to look forward to as the season unfolds.
