Atlanta, GA – In a dramatic finish at the CBS Sports Classic in Atlanta, the No. 12 North Carolina Tar Heels edged the Ohio State Buckeyes 71-70 on Saturday afternoon. Senior guard Seth Trimble returned from a broken forearm to score 17 points, dishing a pivotal pass that led to the game-winning dunk in the final seconds. With contributions up and down the roster, UNC overcame a late Ohio State surge to improve to 11-1 on the season.
Early Stakes and Season Significance
The annual CBS Sports Classic is one of the marquee non-conference events of the college basketball season, featuring four storied programs in back-to-back games. Established in 2014 and annually televised on CBS, the Classic traditionally includes Kentucky, UCLA, Ohio State, and North Carolina, drawing national attention early in the schedule.
Coming into the game, UNC held an 11-0 record with defining victories already under its belt, while Ohio State sought a signature win that could propel it into early NCAA Tournament consideration.
The Return of a Leader: Seth Trimble’s Impact
Perhaps the most compelling narrative of the afternoon was the return of senior guard Seth Trimble. After missing nine games due to a broken left forearm suffered during a November practice, Trimble was cleared to play and immediately made his presence felt.
Trimble’s stat line — 17 points, three assists, and two rebounds — reflects a resounding return, but his influence extended far beyond numbers. In the closing seconds, with UNC trailing, Trimble drove into the lane and attempted a shot that turned into a fateful pass to Henri Veesaar, who slammed it home with 7.2 seconds left to put the Tar Heels ahead.
Trimble’s presence was equally important on the defensive end, particularly in containing Ohio State’s sharpshooter Bruce Thornton, who was held to 16 points while playing nearly the entire game.
Building a Lead: UNC’s Strong Team Performance
North Carolina took control in the second half after a competitive but low-scoring first period. By the midway point of the second frame, the Tar Heels had opened an 11-point lead, powered by a balanced scoring attack and effective rebounding.
Caleb Wilson, the freshman forward playing in his hometown of Atlanta, led all scorers with 20 points and chipped in a season-high 15 rebounds — marking another double-double in his impressive early collegiate run.
Henri Veesaar also posted a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, adding five assists — a career high — demonstrating his evolution into a true all-around contributor for the Heels.
Furthermore, the Tar Heels displayed unselfish basketball throughout, finishing with 22 assists on 28 made field goals.
Ohio State’s Late Surge and Heartbreak
Trailing for much of the second half, the Buckeyes mounted a valiant comeback that nearly stole the game in the closing moments. Guard John Mobley Jr. hit a three-pointer and was fouled to complete a four-point play with under a minute to play, giving Ohio State a 70-67 lead.
Ohio State continued to apply pressure, with forward Devin Royal leading the team with 18 points and eight rebounds. Christoph Tilly added a double-double of his own with 12 points and 10 boards.
Yet, a crucial turnover by the Buckeyes in the final possession allowed UNC to push forward. Trimble’s layup cut the deficit to one, Stevenson’s defensive hustle forced a timeout, and Veesaar’s dunk ultimately gave the Tar Heels their dramatic edge.
In the final second, a blocked shot by Wilson sealed the outcome for UNC, sparking celebration on the bench.
Coaching Strategies and Adjustments
Stevenson’s ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on both ends — including a timely steal late in the game — gave UNC options that disrupted Ohio State’s rhythm.
For Ohio State, coach Jake Diebler’s decision to stick with his core rotation paid dividends as his team fought back from double-digit deficits and remained competitive until the final possession. However, defensive lapses at key moments proved costly in the end.
This victory also marked North Carolina’s fifth straight win and extended its undefeated start to 11-1 — the best since the storied 2008-09 season.
Broader Implications: What This Means for the Season
With conference play looming, this roller-coaster victory adds momentum and belief for UNC. The ACC conference schedule will test Carolina against some of the nation’s elite — from Duke to Virginia — and this win reinforces that this Tar Heel squad can handle pressure.
Equally, Ohio State’s strong showing — despite the narrow loss — highlights the Buckeyes as a team to watch in the Big Ten. With its depth and athleticism, Ohio State could yet secure a tournament bid with quality wins ahead.
Looking Ahead
The Tar Heels return home to Chapel Hill on Monday night to face East Carolina, aiming to build on the optimism and rhythm gained in Atlanta.
Meanwhile, Ohio State heads back to Columbus, where it will host Grambling State — an opportunity to rebound and fine-tune ahead of its toughest tests later this winter.