Takeaways from UNC basketball win over Ohio State

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Takeaways from UNC basketball win over Ohio State

Zack Pearson, Tar Heels Wire · Tar Heels Wire

Sun, Dec 21, 2025 ·

3 min read

Free throw shooting

Dec 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis on the sideline against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the first half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

I want to start with a negative in this game because it almost cost the Tar Heels the win. North Carolina was able to get to the line 13 times but they made just seven of those attempts. They spoiled at least two and one opportunities as well.

It may not seem like much but leaving six points in a game like this could eventually cost you. This will be something to monitor moving forward this season and let's hope UNC can figure it out.

Jarin Stevenson's energy

Dec 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Elijah Davis (6) and forward Jarin Stevenson (15) react during a timeout 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)

North Carolina landed Alabama transfer Jarin Stevenson this offseason after pursuing him in his original recruitment a few years back. The Chapel Hill native is off to a slow start points-wise, but on Saturday, he showed why he's a key piece to this rotation.

Stevenson's energy out there to keep loose balls alive and provide a spark on defense was much noticed. He does the little things well and had some key plays, including grabbing a rebound and then getting the put-back for a bucket in the second half. He's going to stay a key piece of this team in the rotation moving forward and has experience in big games like the NCAA Tournament already.

Seth Trimble's return was much needed

Dec 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) celebrates after a victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)

For just the third time this season, North Carolina had a healthy roster. Thanks to the return of Seth Trimble. The guard played for the first time since early November when he suffered a forearm injury. Trimble's impact was felt on both sides of the ball today.

Not only did he score 17 points, including a big bucket late to cut the lead down to one but his defense was also felt in this one. He was matched up with Bruce Thornton, Ohio State's best player and did well. Getting Trimble back was huge for North Carolina and it was important that he took his time to get fully healthy.

UNC's frontcourt is among the best in America

Dec 20, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) and center Henri Veesaar (13) celebrate during a timeout against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the second half at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

North Carolina's additions in the offseason for the transfer portal have been huge so far. Not only did they land five-star recruit Caleb Wilson, but they also landed center Henri Veesaar out of the transfer portal. And the two have been fantastic for North Carolina.

With the Tar Heels having issues in the frontcourt last season, it's been really nice to see how both Wilson and Veesaar play together. So far, Wilson is averaging 19.5 points and 10.5 rebounds per game while Veesaar is at 16.9 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. Having that type of production from your frontcourt is huge for success moving forward.