UNC vs. BYU live updates, score: Cougars take down Tar Heels
Friday's exhibition game for the North Carolina Tar Heels marked the first time the 2025-26 team would face off against an actual opponent. The test would be tough, however.
UNC went out to Utah to face off against No. 8 BYU in a game that would pit two five-star recruits in A.J. Dybantsa and Caleb Wilson against eachother. And the two delivered. Dybantsa (18 points) and Wilson (22 points) were as good as advertised, both leading their teams in scoring for the game. Wilson had a double-double, adding 10 rebounds but it wasn't enough.
Seth Trimble 's layup attempt with just a few seconds left was altered by BYU, leaving it short and helping the Cougars get the win in what was a back-and-forth game for the two ranked teams. The Tar Heels battled back late, getting some key buckets and having the chance to tie or take the lead after BYU missed two free throws.
But in the end, it was the Cougars that prevailed in the tough-fought exhibition game.
While BYU jumped out to the early lead, UNC never let the lead extend past a few possessions, keeping it close before trailing 39-35 at the break.
Then in the second half, UNC was able to take the lead late. After the two teams went back and forth again, UNC took a 67-65 lead with 5:48 left in the game following a Seth Trimble bucket and then free throw. It didn't take long for BYU to regain the lead for good.
The Cougars took a 74-71 lead with 1:41 left, and then extended the lead to 78-73. After Trimble made three free throws and BYU missed their two attempts, the Tar Heels had one last shot to tie or win. But Trimble's layup was no good and BYU survived.
For UNC, their struggles from the three-point line (4-of-19) loomed large. Henri Veesaar finished with 14 points and 8 rebounds.
To get this experience ahead of the season beginning in early November could prove to be key down the line for the Tar Heels.
UNC falls short as BYU wins 78-76
Seth Trimble gets a shot at the end at the rim but it was altered and he misses. UNC falls to BYU in the exhibition game 78-76.
North Carolina has a chance...
Seth Trimble makes three free throws to cut the lead down to 78-76. BYU misses both attempts and UNC has a chance to win it or tie it.
UNC can't convert late
After Henri Veesaar got a bucket to cut the lead down to 74-73 out of the timeout, BYU answered right back with a basket. They got another stop and then extended the lead out to 78-73 with free throws.
BYU leads late
After UNC took the lead, BYU answered back. A few big buckets, including a three-pointer, gives BYU the 74-71 lead with 1:41 left in the game.
Tar Heels take the lead
North Carolina leads 66-65 with 5:48 left as Seth Trimble makes the layup and gets the foul call. He has the chance to make it a two-point game. Trimble makes the free throw and UNC leads 67-65.
Under-12 break
UNC trails 55-53 to BYU at the under-12 timeout. The Tar Heels keeping it close but can't get the lead.
UNC trims into the lead
At the under-16 mark, UNC has cut the lead early on in the second half, trailing BYU 45-44. UNC's defense has turned it up a notch here in the second half.
HALFTIME: BYU 39, UNC 35
The Tar Heels trail after the first 20 minutes of play.
Seth Trimble throws it down!!
UNC struggling with turnovers
The Tar Heels are struggling early on offensively. They are shooting 4-of-13 with 7 turnovers in the first 8 minutes here.
UNC trailing early
At the 15-minute mark, UNC is trailing 12-8.
UNC basketball will be without Luka Bogavac
Per Inside Carolina, Luka Bogavac won't suit up tonight. He is in Utah with the team but will not play.
What channel is North Carolina at BYU on Friday? Time, TV schedule, radio
TV Channel:ESPN+
Time:9:00 p.m. ET
Radio: SiriusXM
Website: WatchESPN
Where to watch UNC at BYU on live stream
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball vs. BYU: Cougars beat Tar Heels in exhibition game
