North Carolina Edges Wake Forest in Thrilling Showdown
Saturday, January 10, 2026, 6:00 PM ET · Dean E. Smith Center
North Carolina Tar Heels 87, Wake Forest Demon Deacons 84, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
The next free pick, for your email
Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.
or by email
Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick
One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.
Quick answers
Who won Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs North Carolina Tar Heels?
North Carolina Tar Heels beat Wake Forest Demon Deacons 87-84 at Dean E. Smith Center on January 10, 2026.
Who was favored in Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs North Carolina Tar Heels?
North Carolina Tar Heels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -550 (about 85% implied). The favorite won.
In a closely contested matchup, the North Carolina Tar Heels triumphed over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons with a final score of 87-84 at the Dean E. Smith Center. This game was particularly significant as it showcased the resilience of both teams, with North Carolina aiming to solidify its strong home record and Wake Forest looking to bounce back from recent setbacks.
Entering the game, North Carolina held a home record of 14-2, while Wake Forest had an away record of 10-7. The Tar Heels had been performing well at home, with an 8-2 record over their last ten games, although they were coming off a loss to the SMU Mustangs just a week prior. Their scoring average during this stretch was 78.0 points per game, while they allowed an average of 67.3 points. Despite their recent loss, North Carolina's last five games had seen them average 81.8 points scored and 68.4 points allowed, indicating a potent offensive capability.
On the other hand, Wake Forest entered the game with a 6-4 record in their last ten outings, but they were also coming off a loss to the Miami Hurricanes. Their scoring average in the same span was 79.2 points, but they had struggled defensively, allowing an average of 74.4 points. In their last five games, their scoring average dropped to 70.6 points, while their average points allowed increased to 79.0, highlighting a defensive vulnerability that North Carolina sought to exploit.
Historically, the rivalry between these two teams has been competitive, with the head-to-head record standing at 1-1 for the 2025 season prior to this game. In their previous meetings, North Carolina had won one and lost one, with the most recent matchup resulting in a victory for Wake Forest, 68-59, in March 2025. This context added an extra layer of intensity to the game, as both teams aimed to assert dominance.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any significant player absences for either team, allowing both squads to field their strongest lineups. This was crucial for maintaining the competitive nature of the game.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had North Carolina favored by 10.5 points, with a total set at 154.5. The odds reflected confidence in North Carolina's ability to perform at home, but the close scoreline indicated that Wake Forest was able to challenge those expectations.
Conditions in the Dean E. Smith Center were typical for a basketball game, with an energetic crowd supporting the Tar Heels. Fans were treated to a thrilling contest that saw multiple lead changes and a tightly contested second half. Notable moments included crucial free throws made by Seth Trimble, who helped extend North Carolina's lead in the closing minutes, and a late three-pointer from Nate Calmese that kept Wake Forest within striking distance.
As the game progressed, viewers were able to witness a display of skill and determination from both teams, with North Carolina ultimately securing the win. The final scoring plays highlighted the intensity of the match, as Trimble's free throws and Stevenson’s clutch performance sealed the deal for the Tar Heels.
This matchup not only provided a glimpse into the competitive nature of college basketball but also showcased the talent and potential of both teams as they move forward in the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNC -10.5 | 154.5 o -112 / u -108 | Wake Forest Demon Deacons +410 · North Carolina Tar Heels -550 |
Leaders
- PointsHenri Veesaar25North Carolina Tar Heels
- AssistsHenri Veesaar4North Carolina Tar Heels
- ReboundsCaleb Wilson12North Carolina Tar Heels
- PointsJuke Harris28Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- AssistsNate Calmese9Wake Forest Demon Deacons
- ReboundsJuke Harris6Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Recent form
North Carolina Tar Heels
Last 10: 8-2Streak L178 scored · 67.3 allowed per game6-1 at home
- L83-97at SMU MustangsJan 3
- W79-66vs Florida State SeminolesDec 31
- W99-51vs East Carolina PiratesDec 23
- W71-70at Ohio State BuckeyesDec 20
- W77-58vs East Tennessee State BuccaneersDec 17
- 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
Wake Forest Demon Deacons
Last 10: 6-4Streak L179.2 scored · 74.4 allowed per game1-1 away
- L77-81vs Miami HurricanesJan 8
- W81-78vs Virginia Tech HokiesJan 3
- L57-70at NC State WolfpackDec 31
- L67-98vs Vanderbilt CommodoresDec 21
- W71-68vs Longwood LancersDec 18
- W111-73vs Queens University RoyalsDec 14
- W75-66at West Virginia MountaineersDec 6
- L68-86vs Oklahoma SoonersDec 3
- W86-73vs Northeastern HuskiesNov 28
- W99-51vs Campbell Fighting CamelsNov 26
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Wake Forest Demon Deacons | North Carolina Tar Heels |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-64 | 29-55 |
| Field goal % | 48 | 53 |
| Three-pointers | 14-35 | 9-26 |
| Three-point % | 40 | 35 |
| Free throws | 8-11 | 20-30 |
| Free throw % | 73 | 67 |
| Rebounds | 27 | 35 |
| Offensive rebounds | 10 | 13 |
| Defensive rebounds | 17 | 22 |
| Assists | 13 | 20 |
| Steals | 9 | 10 |
| Blocks | 0 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 13 | 14 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 17 | 16 |
| Fast-break points | 13 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 30 | 40 |
| Fouls | 22 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 0 | 15 |
| Lead changes | 0 | 0 |
| Time in front | 0 | 97 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half48-59Jarin Stevenson makes 2-foot dunk (Seth Trimble assists)
- 2nd Half49-59Tre'Von Spillers makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half50-59Tre'Von Spillers makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-59Nate Calmese makes 24-foot three point jumper (Cooper Schwieger assists)
- 2nd Half53-60Caleb Wilson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half53-61Caleb Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-62Kyan Evans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half53-64Henri Veesaar makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Seth Trimble assists)
- 2nd Half54-64Sebastian Akins makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half54-67Jonathan Powell makes 24-foot three point jumper (Henri Veesaar assists)
- 2nd Half54-69Caleb Wilson makes layup (Henri Veesaar assists)
- 2nd Half57-69Juke Harris makes 27-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half57-72Jaydon Young makes 23-foot three point jumper (Kyan Evans assists)
- 2nd Half59-72Tre'Von Spillers makes 16-foot jumper (Nate Calmese assists)
- 2nd Half62-72Nate Calmese makes 24-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half64-72Tre'Von Spillers makes layup
- 2nd Half65-72Tre'Von Spillers makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half65-73Derek Dixon makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half68-73Nate Calmese makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half68-74Henri Veesaar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half68-75Henri Veesaar makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half70-75Nate Calmese makes 11-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half71-75Nate Calmese makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-75Nate Calmese makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half74-76Caleb Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-78Seth Trimble makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half76-78Juke Harris makes driving layup
- 2nd Half76-80Henri Veesaar makes 1-foot dunk (Caleb Wilson assists)
- 2nd Half77-80Juke Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-80Juke Harris makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half78-81Jaydon Young makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-81Juke Harris makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-82Seth Trimble makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-83Seth Trimble makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half79-84Seth Trimble makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half81-84Nate Calmese makes driving layup
- 2nd Half81-85Seth Trimble makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half84-85Nate Calmese makes 23-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half84-86Jarin Stevenson makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half84-87Jarin Stevenson makes free throw 2 of 2
Win probability
Above the line favours North Carolina Tar Heels, below favours Wake Forest Demon Deacons.
Venue
- Dean E. Smith CenterChapel Hill, NC
- Attendance21750
- OfficialsBert Smith, Justin Porterfield, Matt Potter
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