North Carolina handed a big take a look at with out star ahead Caleb Wilson on Monday night time, because the No. 18 Tar Heels toppled No. 24 Louisville 77-74. The win improved the Tar Heels (22-6, 10-5 ACC) to 3-1 since Wilson suffered a fractured hand in a Feb. 10 loss at Miami.
Between the uncertainty round Wilson’s potential return and a subsequent damage to beginning middle Henri Veesaar, UNC’s trajectory appeared unsure lower than per week in the past. These considerations have been laid naked in blowout loss at NC State on Feb. 17.
However Veessar’s return in Saturday’s win at Syracuse, Monday night time’s victory over a top quality ACC foe and Wilson’s obvious development have steadied the waters in Chapel Hill. North Carolina hopes to have Wilson again for its regular-season finale towards Duke on March 7, ESPN reported throughout the broadcast of the sport .
The Tar Heels are squarely within the hunt for a double-bye on the ACC Match and anticipated to stay a No. 6 seed in CBS Sports activities Bracketology on Tuesday following their sixth Quad 1 win.
Seth Trimble paced North Carolina with a career-high 30 factors as UNC saved Louisville at arm’s size for many of the second half. The Cardinals closed inside a possession on two events within the remaining minute, however a pair of Trimble free throws with 9 seconds left helped UNC escape.
In his second recreation again since a two-game absence attributable to a lower-extremity Veesaar added 12 factors for North Carolina. Mikel Brown Jr. paced Louisville (20-8, 9-6) with 24 factors for the Cardinals.
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Mild on the finish of the tunnel
Video games towards Virginia Tech and Clemson nonetheless await earlier than Wilson’s anticipated return. However the mild is now on the finish of the tunnel, and the Tar Heels are proving they will handle with out their main scorer and rebounder. Wilson, who’s a possible top-five decide within the 2026 NBA Draft, averages 19.8 factors, 9.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 blocks.
In his absence, UNC has leaned extra on junior ahead Jarin Stevenson and Montenegrin import Luka Bogavac. Each carried their weight towards Louisville by combining for 21 factors on 4 of 9 capturing from 3-point vary.
Seth Trimble’s star gear
Whereas having Veesaar again and getting Wilson wholesome are pivotal for North Carolina’s aspirations, UNC’s ceiling could finally be decided by the type of guard play it will get in March. Trimble confirmed he can put UNC on his again, if wanted, by handing over the perfect offensive recreation of his four-year Tar Heels profession.
His steal and breakaway dunk on the 13:38 mark gave North Carolina its greatest lead at 56-40. Trimble outplayed Louisville’s formidable star tandem of Brown and Ryan Conwell, which was an accomplishment contemplating these two mixed for 47 factors. As soon as Wilson is again, much less will likely be required of Trimble offensively. However this recreation was a reminder of his capabilities and could possibly be a confidence booster for the group’s third-leading scorer.
