UNC Upsets Kansas 87-74 in Stunning Second Half Surge

UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, the 25th-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels surged in the second half to defeat the 19th-ranked Kansas Jayhawks 87-74 on November 3, 2023, at the Smith Center in Chapel Hill, NC. This victory marks a significant early statement for UNC and an emphatic start to the season under coach Hubert Davis.

Trailing by 10 points at one point and 37-29 at halftime, North Carolina charged out of the locker room with renewed energy, making an impressive 18 of 23 shots in the second half. The Tar Heels scored a staggering 58 points in the final period, showcasing their offensive capabilities and leaving the Jayhawks in the dust.

This win signals a shift for UNC after a disappointing previous season where they barely made the NCAA tournament. “It validates [Davis’] thoughts and the vision that he had,” said Seth Trimble, who contributed 17 points, with 13 points coming after halftime. “It takes some early stress off of him, getting a big win like that.”

The game was electrified by standout performances from several players, including freshman sensation Caleb Wilson, who led the team with 24 points, showcasing his skills with a variety of impressive shots and defensive plays. “I want to impress my coach, I want to impress the world,” Wilson declared after the game.

Transfer big man Henri Veesaar, who joined from Arizona, added 20 points and was pivotal in the second half surge, while Trimble’s defensive performance against Kansas star freshman Darryn Peterson proved crucial. Peterson managed 22 points, but the pressure from Trimble limited his effectiveness in key moments.

North Carolina’s victory is especially significant as it breaks a five-game losing streak against Kansas, a team with which they share a storied history, including matchups in the national championship and multiple NCAA tournaments. Coach Davis emphasized the importance of this win for his team’s confidence, stating, “I wanted this new team, this new group, to have evidence of what it’s like to play in a game like this.”

The Tar Heels’ fans turned out in force, participating in a whiteout that energized the atmosphere, largely driven by a social media campaign led by Wilson. This home-court advantage played a crucial role in UNC’s performance.

Looking ahead, North Carolina aims to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next matchup. With renewed confidence and a solidified roster, they are poised to make a significant impact this season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if this victory can propel the Tar Heels to greater heights.

As Davis reflected on the postgame celebration, he noted, “I won’t remember the score, but I’ll remember them jumping around in the locker room. I’ll remember the smiles on their faces.”