### North Carolina Tar Heels Secure Narrow Victory Over Ohio State in Thrilling Finish The No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels concluded their nonconference schedule with a dramatic 71-70 victory against Ohio State on December 20, 2025. This win marked the Tar Heels' fifth consecutive victory, improving their record to 11-1. The game was highlighted by a last-second dunk from Henri Veesaar, who capitalized on a fortunate play involving Seth Trimble, who was returning from injury. Trimble's presence added depth to the team, as he contributed significantly despite his recent absence due to a broken forearm. The Tar Heels are now poised to enter the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) play with momentum and confidence. ### Breakdown of the Game's Key Elements 1. **Game Overview** - North Carolina faced Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic, showcasing a thrilling finish with a last-minute dunk by Veesaar [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/no_12_north_carolina_edges_ohio_state_on_late_basket/s1_17048_43231725]. - The Tar Heels overcame a late-game deficit, demonstrating resilience and teamwork [https://www.nbcsports.com/mens-college-basketball/news/seth-trimble-returns-to-lead-no-12-north-carolina-past-ohio-state-71-70]. 2. **Player Performances** - **Caleb Wilson**: Led all scorers with 20 points and secured 15 rebounds, marking his eighth double-double of the season [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/no_12_north_carolina_edges_ohio_state_on_late_basket/s1_17048_43231725]. - **Henri Veesaar**: Contributed 17 points and 10 rebounds, including the game-winning dunk [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/unorthodox_assist_gives_no_12_north_carolina_win_over_ohio_state/s1_13132_43231563]. - **Seth Trimble**: Returned from injury to score 17 points, playing a crucial role in the final moments of the game [https://www.thv11.com/article/news/nation-world/seth-trimble-returns-from-broken-arm-to-set-up-winning-basket-in-uncs-latest-victory/616-f54223c2-a34f-40e6-b7bf-22bd1a5b4329]. 3. **Game Dynamics** - North Carolina led by as many as 11 points in the second half but faced a strong comeback from Ohio State, who took a brief lead late in the game [https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/unc-survives-ohio-state-push-230017284.html]. - The final moments were tense, with Ohio State's John Mobley Jr. hitting a three-pointer to give the Buckeyes a 70-67 lead before Trimble's quick response and Veesaar's decisive dunk [https://www.yardbarker.com/college_basketball/articles/north_carolina_beats_ohio_state_on_stunning_lucky_play/s1_127_43231793]. ### Conclusion: A Promising Start for the Tar Heels The Tar Heels' victory over Ohio State not only showcases their talent but also highlights their ability to perform under pressure. As they prepare for their ACC opener, the combination of strong individual performances and effective teamwork positions them as a formidable contender in the upcoming season. 1. **Key Takeaways**: - North Carolina's resilience was evident in their ability to recover from a late-game deficit. - The return of Seth Trimble adds depth and versatility to the team, enhancing their overall performance. - The Tar Heels are now set to enter conference play with a strong record and momentum, aiming for continued success in the ACC. This thrilling win against Ohio State sets a positive tone for North Carolina as they look to build on their success in the competitive landscape of college basketball [https://goheels.com/news/2025/12/20/mens-basketball-mbb-recap-vs-ohio-state].