North Carolina Dominates East Tennessee State 77-58
Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 8:00 PM ET · Dean E. Smith Center
North Carolina Tar Heels 77, East Tennessee State Buccaneers 58, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs North Carolina Tar Heels?
North Carolina Tar Heels beat East Tennessee State Buccaneers 77-58 at Dean E. Smith Center on December 16, 2025.
Who was favored in East Tennessee State Buccaneers vs North Carolina Tar Heels?
North Carolina Tar Heels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -2100 (about 95% implied). The favorite won.
In a decisive matchup, the North Carolina Tar Heels secured a comfortable 77-58 victory over the East Tennessee State Buccaneers at the Dean E. Smith Center. This win further solidifies North Carolina's strong home record, bringing it to 10-1 for the season, while East Tennessee State falls to 8-4.
North Carolina entered the game with a recent form of 9-1 over their last ten games, currently riding a three-game winning streak. They averaged 81.1 points scored per game while allowing 64.7 points, showcasing their offensive strength and defensive resilience. In their last five games, they averaged 74.2 points scored and allowed 66.2 points, indicating a slight dip in offensive output but consistent defensive performance.
The Buccaneers, on the other hand, had a record of 7-3 in their last ten games, but they were coming off a loss, having fallen 75-76 to the Austin Peay Governors. Their scoring average was 78.6 points, with an average of 67.0 points allowed. In their last five games, they averaged 79.0 points scored and allowed 69.6 points, showing they can put up points but also struggle defensively.
At home, the Tar Heels have been particularly formidable, boasting an 8-1 record, while the Buccaneers have struggled on the road with a 1-3 record. This home advantage was evident in the game, as North Carolina controlled the pace and flow, capitalizing on their home court support.
In terms of previous meetings, this matchup was significant as it showcased the Tar Heels' dominance in the series. The injury picture was not detailed in the block, but both teams appeared to be at full strength for this encounter, which is always a factor in such competitive matchups.
The betting market reflected North Carolina's strong position, with DraftKings listing the Tar Heels as 17.5-point favorites, indicating a high level of confidence in their ability to win decisively. The total points line was set at 150.5, suggesting expectations for a moderately high-scoring game.
Conditions during the game were conducive to a high-energy performance, with a packed arena supporting the Tar Heels. Fans witnessed a variety of scoring plays, including notable free throws and a highlight dunk by Jarin Stevenson, which capped off North Carolina's scoring in the second half.
As the game unfolded, North Carolina maintained control, leading comfortably throughout. The final score of 77-58 reflects their ability to execute their game plan effectively against the Buccaneers, who struggled to keep pace. The Tar Heels' blend of offensive firepower and defensive tenacity proved too much for East Tennessee State, who will need to reassess their strategies moving forward after this loss.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNC -17.5 | 150.5 o -110 / u -110 | East Tennessee State Buccaneers +1100 · North Carolina Tar Heels -2100 |
Leaders
- PointsHenri Veesaar26North Carolina Tar Heels
- AssistsKyan Evans6North Carolina Tar Heels
- ReboundsHenri Veesaar8North Carolina Tar Heels
- PointsBrian Taylor II14East Tennessee State Buccaneers
- AssistsBrian Taylor II3East Tennessee State Buccaneers
- ReboundsJordan McCullum7East Tennessee State Buccaneers
Recent form
North Carolina Tar Heels
Last 10: 9-1Streak W381.1 scored · 64.7 allowed per game8-1 at home
- W80-62vs South Carolina Upstate SpartansDec 13
- W81-61vs Georgetown HoyasDec 7
- W67-64at Kentucky WildcatsDec 3
- L58-74vs Michigan State SpartansNov 27
- W85-70vs St. Bonaventure BonniesNov 25
- W73-61vs Navy MidshipmenNov 19
- W97-53vs North Carolina Central EaglesNov 15
- W89-74vs Radford HighlandersNov 12
- W87-74vs Kansas JayhawksNov 8
- W94-54vs Central Arkansas BearsNov 4
East Tennessee State Buccaneers
Last 10: 7-3Streak L178.6 scored · 67 allowed per game1-3 away
- L75-76at Austin Peay GovernorsDec 13
- W78-62vs Tusculum PioneersDec 7
- W91-65vs South Alabama JaguarsDec 6
- L71-88at Dayton FlyersDec 3
- W80-57vs Central Arkansas BearsNov 29
- W97-55vs UL Monroe WarhawksNov 23
- W77-62vs Morehead State EaglesNov 22
- W78-74at North Alabama LionsNov 15
- W75-63vs Northern Kentucky NorseNov 13
- L64-68at Presbyterian Blue HoseNov 8
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| East Tennessee State | 23-11 | - | 13-5 |
| Mercer | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Wofford | 19-13 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Samford | 18-14 | 2 | 11-7 |
| Furman | 22-13 | 3 | 10-8 |
| Western Carolina | 15-16 | 3 | 10-8 |
| UNC Greensboro | 15-19 | 4 | 9-9 |
| Chattanooga | 13-19 | 6 | 7-11 |
| The Citadel | 11-22 | 6 | 7-11 |
| VMI | 6-26 | 12 | 1-17 |
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | East Tennessee State Buccaneers | North Carolina Tar Heels |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 20-52 | 27-50 |
| Field goal % | 38 | 54 |
| Three-pointers | 7-23 | 8-25 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 32 |
| Free throws | 11-16 | 15-23 |
| Free throw % | 69 | 65 |
| Rebounds | 23 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 7 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 28 |
| Assists | 11 | 18 |
| Steals | 4 | 3 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 7 | 7 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 5 | 5 |
| Fast-break points | 0 | 4 |
| Points in the paint | 22 | 36 |
| Fouls | 19 | 15 |
| Largest lead | 2 | 27 |
| Lead changes | 4 | 4 |
| Time in front | 3 | 78 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half30-40Caleb Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half30-42Caleb Wilson makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half30-45Henri Veesaar makes 25-foot three point jumper (Jarin Stevenson assists)
- 2nd Half32-45Blake Barkley makes layup (Allen Strothers assists)
- 2nd Half32-47James Brown makes layup
- 2nd Half33-47Cam Morris III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half35-47Jordan McCullum makes 13-foot step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half35-49Henri Veesaar makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Luka Bogavac assists)
- 2nd Half37-49Brian Taylor II makes 13-foot turnaround jump shot (Jordan McCullum assists)
- 2nd Half37-50Caleb Wilson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half37-51Caleb Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-51Jaylen Smith makes driving layup
- 2nd Half39-52Derek Dixon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-53Derek Dixon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-54Henri Veesaar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half39-55Henri Veesaar makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half39-58Jaydon Young makes 28-foot three point jumper (Henri Veesaar assists)
- 2nd Half39-60Henri Veesaar makes layup
- 2nd Half39-62Henri Veesaar makes 12-foot jumper (Caleb Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half39-64Henri Veesaar makes layup (Caleb Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half39-66Caleb Wilson makes layup
- 2nd Half42-66Maki Johnson makes 27-foot three point jumper (Brian Taylor II assists)
- 2nd Half42-68Luka Bogavac makes driving layup
- 2nd Half43-68Blake Barkley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half44-68Blake Barkley makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half44-70Caleb Wilson makes layup
- 2nd Half47-70Isaiah Sutherland makes 26-foot three point jumper (Jaylen Smith assists)
- 2nd Half47-71Caleb Wilson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half48-71Cam Morris III makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half49-71Cam Morris III makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half51-71Brian Taylor II makes driving layup
- 2nd Half51-73Jarin Stevenson makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half52-73Blake Barkley makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-74Derek Dixon makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half52-75Derek Dixon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half52-77Jarin Stevenson makes 1-foot dunk (Zayden High assists)
- 2nd Half53-77Brian Taylor II makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half54-77Brian Taylor II makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half55-77Brian Taylor II makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half58-77Jaylen Smith makes 25-foot three point jumper (Brian Taylor II assists)
Win probability
Above the line favours North Carolina Tar Heels, below favours East Tennessee State Buccaneers.
Venue
- Dean E. Smith CenterChapel Hill, NC
- Attendance16548
- OfficialsPat Driscoll, Jerry Heater, Chase Shaw
Elsewhere
- Carson Crawford, No. 46 in '27 class, commits to Arizona St.
- Tennessee's Ralph Scott to have knee surgery, out at least 6 months
- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond