You know, we all didn't need the extra stress, but we'll live with it based on the final score of the game.
While they allowed Ohio State to stay in the game, North Carolina did just enough to prevail in the annual CBS Sports Classic in Atlanta, Georgia.
Seth Trimble returned to the lineup and made his presence felt right out of the gate, especially on the defensive end of the floor. Neither team got out to a great start offensively, but there were multiple instances where you just felt that the UNC basketball program was going to pull away.
However, that never happened.
In fact, the Tar Heels went on a scoring drought in the second half, one that allowed the Buckeyes to crawl back into the game. After not leading since the score was 16-15, Ohio State took the lead with 48 seconds remaining, as John Mobley Jr. heaved up a three-pointer while drawing the foul. After the made free throw, the Tar Heels trailed by three, and it felt like the game was trending in favor of Ohio State.
Fortunately, the UNC basketball program found a way.
Trimble made a driving layup with 34 seconds remaining, and after a timeout, the Tar Heels forced a turnover with their full-court pressure. That set them up for a chance to take the lead with 18 seconds remaining, a situation that became nail-biting for everyone watching.
Similar to the drive prior, Trimble drove to the basket but slipped, losing the basketball in the process. Fortunately, Henri Veesaar was there to clean up the mess, picking up the loose ball and finishing with a slam to put North Carolina up one.
Ohio State had one last chance with just over four seconds left but couldn't convert, sending the Tar Heels home with a huge neutral court victory over a gritty Buckeye team.
A strong homecoming for Caleb Wilson
Wilson was rather quiet in the first half, recording just four points. He turned it up in the second half, finishing with 20 points and 15 rebounds (a season-high), and was responsible for the game-winning block right before the buzzer sounded.
Henri Veesaar continues to thrive
Veesaar posted another double-double, finishing with 17 points and 10 boards. Once again he was arguably the Tar Heels' best player throughout, setting the tone right out of the gate.
Welcome back Seth!
Trimble did his thing defensively, making life difficult for Bruce Thornton. He also did work on the offensive end, finishing with 17 points and three made three-pointers.
What's Next?
Good teams find ways to win, and North Carolina did just that on Saturday afternoon. While they had plenty of opportunities to pull away, you just have to be happy they secured the victory, adding another strong win to their season resume.
The UNC basketball program has one more non-conference game, an 8:00 battle with East Carolina at the Dean Smith Center on Monday night. It will be the Tar Heels final game before the holiday break.