UNC Makes Easy Work of WSSU in Final Exhibition Game

The Tar Heels second-half explosion was the difference.

North Carolina players huddling up during a stoppage in play; Oct. 29, 2025 | Jackson McCurdy, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI

North Carolina defeats Winston Salem State in its final exhibition game, 95-68, after a strong second-half performance.

The Tar Heels shot 33-for-66 (50%) from the field and 12-for-32 (37.5%) from beyond the arc. The Tar Heels scored 56 of their 95 points in the second half.

North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson posted his second consecutive double-double, finishing with 23 points and 10 rebounds. He also recorded three blocks, two assists and a steal.

North Carolina will officially open up the season with a matchup against Central Arkansas on Monday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. The Tar Heels will take on No. 19 Kansas a few days later on Friday, Nov. 7, in another primetime matchup between the two blue blood programs.

Mar 21, 2025; Milwaukee, WI, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis during the first half of a first round NCAA men’s tournament game against the Mississippi Rebels at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images | Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

1st Half

Carolina opened the game with a 15-2 run in the first seven minutes. Veesaar scored the first points with a single free throw and a teardrop jump shot. Trimble followed with a jump shot, and Wilson added a fast-break and-one layup on the ensuing possession.

Veesaar and Wilson combined for 10 of those 15 points, with eight of Carolina’s points during that stretch coming in the paint.

However, Winston-Salem State came roaring back, pulling within five with 5:11 left in the first half as the Tar Heels held a 24-19 lead.

North Carolina forward Caleb Wilson loading up for a posterizing dunk over Winston-Salem State forward Abou Camara.; Oct. 29, 2025 | Jackson McCurdy, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI

However, Carolina pulled away late in the first half thanks to Wilson, who scored seven of the Tar Heels’ final points to give them a 39-24 lead at halftime.

Wilson finished with 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, along with six rebounds, two blocks, and an assist. He was also a perfect 3-for-3 from the free-throw line.

North Carolina head coach Hubert Davis during UNC's 95-53 win over Winston-Salem State in an exhibition game on Oct. 29, 2025 | Jackson McCurdy, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI

Veesaar contributed seven points in the half, making all three of his field goal attempts. He also added two steals, a rebound, and an assist.

Winston-Salem State’s top scorers at the half were Masaun Bryant and Lance Gill, each with six points.

2nd Half

After a sluggish first half, the Tar Heels came out strong, opening the second half with a 13-4 run to build a 52-32 lead with 15:42 remaining.

North Carolina forward Jarin Stevenson attempting to defend a shot from Winston-Salem State forward Isaiah Staton-Ray; Oct. 29, 2025 | Jackson McCurdy, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI

After a Jarin Stevenson layup, Veesaar and Evans drill back-to-back three-point shots. Trimble scored five of the 13 points and slammed a one-handed dunk before Winston-Salem State called a timeout to regroup.

After the timeout, UNC went on a 6-0 run as Trimble made a layup and Stevenson drilled back-to-back three-pointers, pushing the score to 60-32 with 13:38 left in the game.

It soon became a three-point shootaround for the Tar Heels as Jaydon Young would knock down three of his beyond the arc shots, along with Zayden High and Johnathan Powell.

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