Story by
Seth Trimble’s Presence Felt Everywhere in UNC Win Over Ohio State
- Story by
- Seth Trimble’s Presence Felt Everywhere in UNC Win Over Ohio State
Saturday's game for North Carolina against Ohio State felt different. Yes, the Tar Heels had to scratch and claw their way to a 71-70 victory , but it was a different-looking UNC squad.
The Tar Heels looked fluid on both ends of the floor. There was chemistry; everyone was running at the same pace and shots were falling. Not only did those things happen, but you could attribute them to the return of Seth Trimble.
Advertisement
After missing the last month and a half because of an injury from a weightlifting snafu, the senior guard scored 17 points and dished the assist that led to Henri Veesaar flushing down a dunk with 7.2 seconds left for the game-winning basket. Trimble also shot 6-for-13 from the floor and 3-for-5 from beyond the arc.
It was perfect timing for UNC, as Trimble was needed to guard Ohio State's Bruce Thornton, who had been averaging more than 21 points per game this season.
"This game — and I talked about Devin Royal — but there was really only one guy on our team that had any chance of getting a stop on Bruce Thornton," North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis said after the game. "That was Seth. And so having him in the lineup is huge."
Transition Play Improved with Seth Trimble's Return
Dec 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) dribbles against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
While Trimble was out, North Carolina often struggled in transition and it showed in a lot of its games. Once he returned, Davis immediately noticed UNC's improvement on the fast break.
Advertisement
"I felt like in transition, it's the first time that we've gotten pitch-ahead dunks and layups in a while," Davis said. "So we've got to get back to that because a huge part of our offense is being able to sprint."
Trimble's quickness and hustle in transition inspire his teammates to run the floor the same way, something Davis says makes UNC a much better team on the fast break.
"He can get a defensive stop, he can get a rebound, and within three or four steps he's across half-court and he's gone," Just having one person pulls everybody along, and when they see Seth get those pitch-ahead layups, everybody wants to score, so then they start running. It's contagious, and it's nice to see that back in our offense today," Davis continued."
Veesaar praised Trimble's effort and said his speed is unlike anyone else's on the court.
Advertisement
"I think he just plays with effort, but he's a freak athlete, Veesaar said after the game. He's the fastest guy on the team. He has the biggest vert on the team, so the way he runs the floor, there's not many guys that keep up with him."
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions .
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: How Seth Trimble Impacted UNC's Win Against Ohio State
