A nail-biting showdown at the Dean E. Smith Center saw No. 17 North Carolina narrowly defeat Wake Forest with a final score of 87-84 on January 10, 2026. This game wasn't just a win; it marked a significant milestone for the Tar Heels.
Henri Veesaar was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 25 points and grabbing 9 rebounds. Caleb Wilson wasn't far behind, contributing 22 points and 12 rebounds, achieving his 11th double-double of the season. Jaydon Young added a season-high 12 points off the bench, further solidifying the Tar Heels' offense. This victory was particularly sweet as it followed their first ACC loss, providing a strong comeback.
And here's the remarkable part: This win was the Tar Heels' 500th at the Dean E. Smith Center, a testament to their dominance since the arena opened in 1986. The Tar Heels' record at the Smith Center now stands at an impressive 500-90.
Wake Forest put up a valiant fight, with Nate Calmese leading the charge with 28 points, including 7 three-pointers, and 9 assists. Juke Harris also scored 28 points, with 5 three-pointers. Despite trailing by 15 points at one stage, Wake Forest showed resilience, with Calmese's step-back three-pointer bringing them within a single point with just over 4 minutes remaining. However, key dunks from Seth Trimble and Veesaar helped UNC maintain their lead.
But here's where it gets controversial... Another three-pointer by Calmese with 7 seconds left narrowed the gap to 85-84. Jarin Stevenson sealed the deal for UNC with two crucial free throws, and Calmese's off-balance shot at the buzzer missed the mark. In the first half, Wilson was on fire, scoring 17 points and securing 9 rebounds, making all 7 of his shots, which helped the Tar Heels take a 49-38 lead into halftime.
Up Next:
* Wake Forest will face Florida State next Saturday.
* North Carolina will play Stanford on Wednesday.
What are your thoughts on the game? Did Wake Forest's comeback attempt surprise you? Share your opinions in the comments below!
