North Carolina has momentum after big win over Louisville, optimism for return of injured Caleb Wilson grows
CBS Sports
by
David Cobb
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
North Carolina’s No. 18 Tar Heels secured a crucial victory over No. 24 Louisville, winning 77-74 despite the absence of star forward Caleb Wilson, who remains sidelined with a fractured hand. The win marked their third victory in four games since Wilson’s injury and showcased their ability to remain competitive without their leading scorer and rebounder. With speculation growing about Wilson’s potential return for the regular-season finale against Duke on March 7, the Tar Heels are now positioned to build momentum heading into the ACC Tournament.
Seth Trimble stepped up as the team’s offensive anchor, scoring a career-high 30 points and demonstrating his ability to carry the load in Wilson’s absence. Henri Veesaar’s return from injury added depth to the lineup, contributing 12 points against Louisville. The Tar Heels’ balanced approach also saw Jarin Stevenson and Luka Bogavac combine for 21 points, highlighting their growing roles in filling the void left by Wilson.
North Carolina’s resilience against a strong ACC opponent underscores their determination to stay in contention despite injuries. Their sixth Quad 1 win this season has solidified their standing as a potential No. 6 seed in the NCAA Tournament, with expectations of securing a double bye in the ACC Tournament. As they prepare for key matchups against Virginia Tech and Clemson before Wilson’s anticipated return, the Tar Heels are proving they can compete at a high level even without their star player.
This development matters to sports fans as it showcases North Carolina’s depth and adaptability under pressure. With Wilson’s potential return on the horizon, the Tar Heels’ trajectory is looking increasingly positive, making them a team to watch in the
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/24/2026