URGENT UPDATE: In a stunning turnaround, the 25th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels decisively defeated the 19th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks 87-74 on November 3, 2023, in Chapel Hill, N.C. After trailing by ten points at halftime, UNC exploded in the second half, scoring an impressive 58 points and showcasing their revamped roster under Coach Hubert Davis.
The Tar Heels entered the second half with renewed energy, hitting 18 of 23 shots and converting 66.7% of their attempts overall in the second half. This victory marks UNC’s first win over Kansas since November 2002, ending a five-game losing streak against the historic program.
The momentum shifted dramatically after halftime, with standout performances from freshman Caleb Wilson and transfer Henri Veesaar. Wilson led the team with 24 points, while Veesaar contributed 20 points and dominated the paint against Kansas big man Flory Bidunga.
“This validates what we’ve been working towards,” said Wilson, who also added seven rebounds and four steals. “I want to let the world know who I am for sure.”
Coach Davis praised the team’s effort, emphasizing the importance of this win in building confidence for the season ahead. “I wanted this new team to experience what it’s like to come up big in a game like this,” Davis said.
The Tar Heels had struggled against ranked teams last season, losing eight of nine matchups against AP Top 25 opponents. The victory against Kansas not only serves as a significant early-season boost but also reflects the effective retooling of the roster, which faced skepticism after barely making last year’s NCAA tournament.
As the game progressed, the Tar Heels’ defense tightened, allowing them to contain Kansas star freshman Darryn Peterson, who scored 22 points but struggled against UNC’s defensive strategies. Senior guard Seth Trimble played a crucial role in limiting Peterson’s effectiveness, scoring 17 points, with 13 of those coming after halftime.
The atmosphere was electric at the Smith Center, with fans participating in a whiteout, a movement sparked by Wilson’s social media call to action. The victory is expected to energize the Tar Heels’ fan base as they look forward to upcoming matchups.
Looking ahead, North Carolina aims to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next game. With confidence riding high, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the early part of the season.
Stay tuned for updates as the Tar Heels continue their journey in the 2023-2024 season!
