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UNC uses second-half push to down Florida State in ACC opener
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- UNC uses second-half push to down Florida State in ACC opener
The North Carolina Tar Heels closed out the 2025 calendar year with a big win over Florida State on Tuesday night, beating the Seminoles 79-66. The win moves UNC to 13-1 overall and gives them their first Atlantic Coast Conference win of the season.
After a slow start for both teams, including a combined 3-of-15 from the field, the Seminoles had the early 5-3 lead in the Dean Dome. The two teams went back and forth before a UNC 14-7 run that saw them go ahead 17-12. This game was based on runs from the Tar Heels as they were able to build up a double-digit lead with just two minutes left in the first half. But Florida State went on a 6-0 run to cut into the deficit and UNC led 40-34 at the break.
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But the second half once again became the Caleb Wilson show.
The freshman nearly had a double-double in the first half and officially earned it in the second half. He finished the game with 22 points, 16 rebounds and six assists, making his impact throughout the game. He became the first UNC freshman to have 20 points in six consecutive games.
Wilson made his presence felt, especially on a big dunk in the second half as he soared through the lane after receiving the pass and threw it down with authority. That gave UNC a 55-46 lead and was part of a 16-3 run for the Tar Heels in the second half.
UNC kept its foot on the gas in that second half, thanks to Wilson as well as Seth Trimble who had 20 points and Henri Veesaar who had 12 points and 12 rebounds. Kyan Evans finished with 15 points, all on three-pointers for the Tar Heels.
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With the win, UNC is now 65-8 all-time in ACC openers. They also keep their win streak against Florida State alive in the Dean Dome as the Seminoles haven't won at UNC since 2010.
The Tar Heels travel on the road for a Saturday matchup at SMU.
FINAL: UNC 79, FSU 66
The Tar Heels improve to 13-1 on the season and open up ACC play with a 79-66 win over Florida State on Tuesday night in the Dean Dome.
Tar Heels providing some highlights late...
North Carolina got a dunk from Seth Trimble and then another by Henri Veesaar as they extended the lead to 75-61 with 1:02 left.
North Carolina holding a 13-point lead
The Tar Heels are looking to close this one out as they lead 69-56 with 4:21 left.
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Caleb Wilson makes UNC history
UNC leads at the under-8 break
The Tar Heels have a 62-49 lead at the under-8 timeout. UNC has been able to build the lead back to double-digits as they hope to close this one out for their first ACC win of the year.
Caleb Wilson with a MONSTER dunk
The freshman threw down a big dunk that got the Dean Dome rocking!!!
UNC goes on a run
The Tar Heels are on a 16-3 run and now lead 60-46 with 10:56 left in the game.
Tar Heels hold three-point lead
North Carolina leads 46-43 with 15:09 left in the game. After being down by double digits, Florida State has cut the lead down to one possession.
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Caleb Wilson has a double-double
North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson has 16 points and 12 rebounds, getting another double-double as the second half is underway.
HALFTIME: UNC 40, FSU 34
The Seminoles go on a quick 6-1 run to end the half and cut the lead down to just six at halftime.
TIMEOUT: UNC 39, FSU 28
The Seminoles take a timeout as UNC has now extended the lead to 39-28 with two minutes to go in the first half.
UNC's shooting is better after slow start
North Carolina starting to find its groove
Henri Veesaar finds Jarin Stevenson cutting to the basket for the slam. After a defensive stop, Stevenson gets fouled and UNC leads 33-25 with 3:30 left in the first half
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Kyan Evans with two huge three-pointers
The point guard has drained two three-pointers in a span of two minutes. UNC leads 29-22 with 6 minutes left.
Caleb Wilson sparks a run
The freshman helps spark a 14-7 run for UNC as they take a 17-12 lead. Wilson has seven points and six rebounds with 10:56 left in the first.
FSU 5, UNC 3 at under 16 timeout
A slow start for both teams as they are a combined 3-of-15 from the field. That includes UNC being 1-of-8 early on.
Tar Heels start slow
North Carolina is 0-for-4 to start the game including missing all three of their 3-pt attempts.
UNC announces starters for game
Here are the starters for tonight:
Throwbacks tonight!
UNC is going with the blue throwbacks tonight, despite usually wearing white uniforms at home.
Florida State at North Carolina
WHAT?North Carolina Tar Heels (12-1) vs. Florida State Seminoles (7-6)
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WHEN?Tuesday, December 30 at 7 p.m. ET
WHERE?Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill
TV?ESPN2
RADIO? SiriusXM (Channel 193)
LINE?UNC -16.5
LAST MEETING?UNC 96, Ohio State 85 on Feb. 24, 2025 in Talahassee, Fla.
ALL-TIME SERIES:UNC leads, 57-16
PREDICTION?UNC 85, Florida State 66
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Caleb Wilson helps propel Tar Heels past Seminoles
