Tar Heels Surge Past Notre Dame With Second-Half Run

The North Carolina Tar Heels delivered a resounding response to recent adversity, dominating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 91-69 on January 21, 2026, at the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill. This win snapped a two-game losing streak for the Tar Heels and brought their ACC record to a more respectable 3-3, while improving their overall mark to 15-4. For a team that had been reeling from defensive lapses and mounting pressure, this performance was not just a much-needed victory—it was a statement of intent as the season enters a critical stretch.

Coming into the contest, North Carolina found itself in what many described as a must-win scenario. The Tar Heels had dropped three of their last four games, including back-to-back road losses to Stanford and Cal, and their defense had been under fire for allowing opponents to shoot lights out from beyond the arc. As noted by TarHeelsWire, "every game is essentially a must-win the rest of the way." With a daunting conference schedule looming, the importance of this matchup against a struggling Notre Dame squad (10-9, 1-5 ACC) was magnified.

Head coach Hubert Davis, feeling the heat from both fans and analysts, made a significant change to the starting lineup, inserting Jaydon Young in place of Jarin Stevenson. Young, a transfer who started ten games for Virginia Tech last season, was eager to make an impact in his first start as a Tar Heel. However, foul trouble quickly derailed his night, limiting him to just 14 minutes after he picked up his fourth foul with 18 minutes left to play. Despite the setback, Young’s presence was felt early, and the move signaled Davis’s willingness to shake things up in pursuit of a spark.

From the opening tip, the Tar Heels looked determined to reassert their dominance, especially in the frontcourt. Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar took center stage, combining for a staggering 37 points and 19 rebounds. Wilson, who has been a consistent force all season, showcased his full offensive arsenal, pouring in 22 points, grabbing seven boards, and dishing out a team-high five assists. He scored in a variety of ways—turnaround jumpers, a three-pointer, and even a highlight-reel breakaway one-handed dunk that brought the Smith Center faithful to their feet. As Adam Lucas of UNC Athletics observed, "as soon as he picked up the ball in the open court, the entire Smith Center stood up to see what might happen next."

Veesaar, meanwhile, delivered a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds. He was particularly effective in the second half, scoring 12 of his points after the break and setting the tone with a quick 8-0 run that helped UNC pull away. His energetic play was reflected in his impressive +30 plus-minus rating during his 28 minutes on the court. The Tar Heels exploited their clear advantage inside, finishing the night 18-of-27 on two-point attempts and outmuscling the Irish in the paint.

Notre Dame, missing star guard Markus Burton and reeling from a four-game losing streak, tried to hang around with perimeter shooting. In the first half, the Irish made 6-of-12 from three-point range to stay within striking distance, but their offense faltered after halftime. UNC’s defense, much maligned in recent weeks, finally showed signs of life, limiting Notre Dame to just two made threes in the second half and holding them to 36% shooting overall. The Tar Heels also clamped down on the glass, though Davis likely wasn’t thrilled with the 18 offensive rebounds surrendered—five of which were collected by Carson Towt. Fortunately for Carolina, the Irish converted those second chances into just 13 points.

Three-point shooting was a major storyline for the Tar Heels as well. UNC attempted a whopping 34 shots from beyond the arc, connecting on 13—an effort that tied a school record for most players (eight) making at least one three in a single game. Derek Dixon added 11 points, including a trio of threes, and several other Tar Heels chipped in from deep. While the volume may have been a touch high, the efficiency and distribution were encouraging signs for a team looking for offensive balance.

Ball security was another positive for both teams in this contest. Notre Dame committed just five turnovers, while UNC had eight, as the game was largely played in the halfcourt. Despite the low turnover count, the Tar Heels managed to force the Irish into difficult shots and continued a trend of strong home defensive numbers—holding opponents to just 34.6% shooting at the Smith Center this season. This was a much-needed reversal from the previous four games, where UNC opponents had combined to shoot 53.8% from the floor.

The significance of the night extended beyond the court. The game was played in close proximity to the 40th anniversary of the first contest at the Dean E. Smith Center (January 18, 1986). Several longtime staff members and ushers who had been part of that inaugural game were honored during the win, adding a layer of nostalgia and pride to the proceedings. The Tar Heels, who have now won six consecutive meetings against Notre Dame, improved their home record to a perfect 12-0 this season.

Looking ahead, the road gets no easier for North Carolina. The Tar Heels travel to face No. 14 Virginia in Charlottesville on January 24, followed by a trip to Georgia Tech. February is packed with challenges, including two games against Syracuse, a home showdown with No. 5 Duke, and tough road tilts at Miami and NC State. As the season heats up, every game will carry heightened stakes, especially for a team that has struggled defensively at times but showed on Wednesday night that it’s capable of locking in when it matters most.

For now, though, the Tar Heels can savor a win that not only steadied their season but also reminded fans and players alike of the potential that lies within this talented squad. With a rejuvenated defense, a dynamic frontcourt, and a coach unafraid to make bold moves, North Carolina heads into the heart of ACC play with renewed confidence and plenty left to prove.