UNC led by as many as 50 points against East Carolina at the Smith Center Monday night on its way to a 99-51 win. Carolina’s 99 points are its most in a game this season.
“It was really huge for us to put together two halves on both ends of the floor,” head coach Hubert Davis said after the game. “And I felt like, regardless of the score, we were locked in and trying to get better and understanding that each minute was important for the growth of this team.”
Henri Veesaar (16 points and 10 rebounds) and Caleb Wilson (21 points and 12 rebounds) both recorded double-doubles – their seventh and ninth of the seasons – on the night. Veesaar did much of his damage from outside, making a career-high four three-pointers. He had never made more than two in a game before Monday night. For Wilson, it was his fifth straight game with at least 20 points. He and Phil Ford are the only Tar Heel freshmen to accomplish such a feat.
“Everybody’s ready to go on this break and wanted to end on a good note,” said Wilson. “That kind of approach made us take the whole game serious and make sure we play throughout the game.”
UNC recorded 17 fast-break points, its most in a game since the opener against Central Arkansas on Nov. 3. ECU finished with none. The Tar Heels also recorded a season-high 21 points off ECU’s 15 turnovers. The UNC defense limited the Pirates to 19-73 (26.0 percent) shooting from the field.
“We’ve just been playing smart basketball,” Wilson said of the fast-break points. “Just making sure we emphasize it. With our size and athleticism, making sure we get it up the court.”
A late highlight came as three Tar Heel reserves – Ivan Matlekovic, Evan Smith and Elijah Davis – each made baskets. A long three-pointer from Davis, the son of Hubert Davis, marked his first points as a Tar Heel. Davis transferred to UNC from the University of Lynchburg before the 2024-25 season. This is his final year of collegiate eligibility.
With the win, UNC is now 12-1 overall this season, its best performance in the non-conference regular season slate under head coach Hubert Davis. The Tar Heels will now break for the Christmas holiday and will be back in action when they host Florida State at the Smith Center Tuesday, Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. in the team’s ACC opener.
Featured image via Todd Melet. For a full photo gallery of the game, click here.
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