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Instant takeaways from UNC basketball's win over Kansas
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- Instant takeaways from UNC basketball's win over Kansas
What a Friday night in the Dean Dome.
With Kansas making its first trip to Chapel Hill, the Tar Heels passed an early-season test with a 87-74 win over the No. 16-ranked Jayhawks . It was a bit of a struggle early on for North Carolina, falling behind as Kansas built a lead that was nine at halftime.
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But a big second half helped spur the Tar Heels.
Using a 8-2 run, North Carolina battled back and took the lead for good at 49-46 after Jarin Stevenson hit a wide-open three-pointer. From there, UNC controlled the game as they dominated in the paint and had just one turnover in that half. They got out in transition and used it to their advantage, making Kansas pay for not getting back on defense.
The Tar Heels had four players finish in double digits, led by star freshman Caleb Wilson who had 24. Center Henri Veesaar had 20 in the win.
With UNC now getting a big early-season win, the vibes are high in Chapel Hill. Let's go through some instant takeaways from the big win.
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UNC dominated in the second half
Nov 7, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) shoots as Kansas Jayhawks guard Jayden Dawson (1) defends in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
While the atmosphere was awesome from the start, Kansas was still able to grab a lead in the first half. Even with UNC taking a brief four-point lead, the Jayhawks were able to answer every UNC run and led 37-28 at the break.
But thing something flipped.
North Carolina opened the second half on an 8-2 run and played a whole lot better from the get-go. They were shooting it better, playing good defense, and only had one turnover in the second half. UNC outscored Kansas 58-37 in the second half and got big performances from Caleb Wilson, Seth Trimble, Kyan Evans, and Henri Veesaar.
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That second half showed us just how good UNC can be if they can put it together.
Caleb Wilson is special
Nov 7, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) on the court in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
North Carolina fans already knew this but the rest of the national audience was introduced to Caleb Wilson on Friday night. The freshman forward scored 24 points and grabbed seven rebounds with four assists and four steals in the big win.
He got things going early with a big putback dunk and then showcased his skillset throughout the game. In a freshman class that also includes Cameron Boozer, Darryn Peterson, and AJ Dybantsa, it's been Wilson who has been really impressive in the first two games so far.
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Henri Veesaar is a legit big man for UNC
Nov 7, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) grabs a rebound as /k40 defends in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Last season, North Carolina really struggled with their frontcourt depth. This season, Henri Veesaar looks like he's solved that issue at least early on.
The talented big man who transferred from Arizona had 20 points and four rebounds in the game, winning in the paint against Flory Bidunga . Veesaar has been good to start the year and really changes things for North Carolina's offense as a legit center.
The depth behind him might be a bit of an issue but if Veesaar plays like this, UNC has something.
College basketball needs these types of games
Nov 7, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis with Kansas Jayhawks head coach Bill Self before the game at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images
Playing these games are important. Yes, we get some good matchups during Feast Week and even in December but those are on neutral courts. For North Carolina and Kansas to meet in a home-and-home, it's awesome. More of the top programs, not just the Blue Bloods, need to do this. It's good for the sport.
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Let's hope the Tar Heels and Jayhawks can find a way to add on to this series and play more in the regular season.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC basketball: Takeaways from Tar Heels win over Jayhawks
