Good, Bad and Ugly From UNC's Upset Loss to Stanford

The North Carolina Tar Heels blew another double-digit lead in the second half, and this time it cost them the game.

UNC went into Stanford and took control early, building double-digit leads in both halves. Once again, the Tar Heels could not protect an advantage, as the Cardinal clawed back to earn a 95-90 upset win over UNC.

caleb wilso — Jan 14, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8), guard Kyan Evans (0), and Stanford Cardinal forward Aidan Cammann (52) reach for a loose ball in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Here is the good, the bad and the ugly from UNC’s loss to Stanford.

The Good

Frontcourt dominance

The frontcourt duo of Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar continues to carry the Tar Heels. The two scored 26 points apiece and were the only consistent contributors for UNC. Each took over a half, with Veesaar doing most of his damage in the first half and Wilson dominating the second.

Veesaar jump-started the Tar Heels with 16 first-half points, including two 3-pointers. The pick-and-pop game was effective, and the Cardinal bigs were hesitant to step up defensively. Wilson had a near-perfect second half, igniting UNC out of the locker room with a personal 8-0 run. He finished the half with 20 points and went 8-for-8 from the field.

dixo — Jan 14, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Derek Dixon (3) dribbles against Stanford Cardinal guard Jeremy Dent-Smith (25) in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

The Bad

UNC allowed two career highs

This was not supposed to be a big night from 3-point range for the Cardinal, yet they shot 16-for-28 from beyond the arc. The Tar Heels knew they would have their hands full with Ebuka Okorie, who entered the game ranked in the top 10 nationally in scoring at 22 points per game. However, a 36-point, career-high performance from Okorie was not on UNC’s bingo card — even if no one was particularly surprised.

wilso — Jan 14, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Caleb Wilson (8) dunks against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

Okorie’s ability to blow past UNC defenders led to wide-open looks for his shooters. Along with his career night scoring the ball, Okorie also set a career high with nine assists. Jeremy Dent-Smith and Ryan Agarwal were the primary beneficiaries of Okorie’s playmaking, combining to hit 11 3-pointers.

Agarwal set a career high with 20 points, while Dent-Smith finished with a season-high 20. Both players entered the game averaging just six points per contest.

veesaa — Jan 14, 2026; Stanford, California, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels center Henri Veesaar (13) reacts after a foul against the Stanford Cardinal in the second half at Maples Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Eakin Howard-Imagn Images | Eakin Howard-Imagn Images

The Ugly

Another blown lead

The Tar Heels blew double-digit leads in both halves, which is simply unacceptable for a program of the caliber of UNC. They led 27-15 in the first half before allowing a 19-7 run. During that stretch, the Tar Heels went five straight minutes without a made field goal.

After Wilson’s hot start in the second half, UNC built a 63-51 lead. Shortly after the 3-point barrage began, and the Cardinal never looked back.

UNC — Jackson McCurdy, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI

UNC made just two shots over the final five minutes of the game, a troubling trend that continues to resurface. This is a concerning sign for the Tar Heels, and if coach Hubert Davis remains complacent, it could lead to a disappointing season in Chapel Hill.

To receive more coverage on North Carolina, click HERE! Please make sure you follow us today on our Facebook page when you click right HERE!

Never again miss one major story related to your beloved Tar Heels when you sign up for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes straight to your email with the latest news. SIGN UP HERE NOW