When North Carolina Tar Heels took the floor at Fort Myers, Florida on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, they weren’t just playing a game—they were proving they could win without their star. Down a key guard and facing a hungry St. Bonaventure Bonnies team that had won five straight, the Tar Heels didn’t just survive—they exploded in the second half, pulling away 85-70 in the Fort Myers Tip-OffFort Myers. The breakout star? Freshman center Henri Veesaar, who dropped 24 points on 10-of-14 shooting, turning heads in his first major test against mid-major competition. His performance wasn’t just a surprise—it was a statement.
First Half Chaos: Bonnies Take Control, Tar Heels Stumble
St. Bonaventure didn’t come to play nice. Led by senior guard Buddy Simmons II (22 points) and forward Frank Mitchell (18), the Bonnies used quick hands and relentless pressure to disrupt North Carolina’s rhythm. They forced turnovers, blocked shots, and even slapped away attempts before they could leave a Tar Heel’s fingertips. Their 16-4 run capped by a thunderous dunk from Andrew Osasuyi gave them a 30-28 lead late in the half. ESPN’s box score showed the Bonnies out-hustling the higher-ranked team, matching their energy and outplaying them in transition.But here’s the thing—North Carolina didn’t panic. Even without sophomore guard Seth Trimble, sidelined with a broken forearm for “a few weeks,” the Tar Heels stayed composed. Coach Hubert Davis kept his rotation tight, trusting his bench more than expected. And when the horn sounded, they led 35-33. Not a blowout. Not even a comfortable cushion. But enough.
Second Half Surge: Veesaar and Wilson Take Over
The second half wasn’t just a comeback—it was a takeover. North Carolina outscored St. Bonaventure 50-37, the kind of scoring burst that turns close games into routs. Henri Veesaar was unstoppable inside, using his 6’10" frame to absorb contact and finish at the rim. Meanwhile, sophomore guard Caleb Wilson added 20 points, hitting key jumpers when the Bonnies collapsed on Veesaar. Kyan Evans (11) and Luka Bogavac (10) provided the necessary depth, showing this isn’t just a two-man show anymore.The Tar Heels shot 48.5% from the field and hit 10-of-25 from deep, a marked improvement from their first-half struggles. Their defense tightened too, holding St. Bonaventure to just 37 points after halftime—well below their season average of 78. The Bonnies, who had made 38% of their threes entering the game, went 5-of-18 after the break. Their rhythm was broken. Their confidence, shaken.
Betting Lines, Trends, and the Numbers That Mattered
Oddsmakers had North Carolina as 10.5-point favorites, with a total of 152.5 points. The line had drifted from -11.5 to -10.5 as late bets poured in on the Bonnies’ hot streak. SportsGambler even recommended the Under at -105, citing St. Bonaventure’s history: 19 of their last 20 night games produced 145 points or fewer. But North Carolina? Seven of their last eight neutral-site night games went Over 154. The game finished at 155 total points—right on the edge.And yet, the betting market got it wrong. Not because the Bonnies were flukes—they weren’t. They were 5-0, ranked in the top 100 in field goal percentage, and top 90 in defensive efficiency. But they weren’t built for a 40-minute war against a team with this kind of size and depth. North Carolina’s adjusted tempo ranked 54th nationally—fast, but not reckless. They controlled the pace when it mattered.
What This Means for North Carolina’s Season
With the win, North Carolina improved to 6-0—their best start since the 2016-17 season. That’s not a coincidence. That’s a sign. This team isn’t just surviving without Trimble; they’re adapting. Veesaar’s emergence as a legitimate inside threat changes everything. He’s not just a rebounder—he’s a scorer, a finisher, a threat that forces double teams. That opens up space for Wilson, Evans, and Bogavac to operate.And let’s not forget the schedule. Next up: Michigan State on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025. A marquee matchup in a neutral-site tournament. A chance to prove this isn’t just a hot start—it’s a reclamation. The Tar Heels haven’t been this deep, this balanced, this dangerous since their Final Four run in 2022.
St. Bonaventure’s Takeaway: A Tough Loss, But Not a Failure
Don’t count the Bonnies out. They held a top-15 team to a one-point halftime lead. They outplayed them in the first 20 minutes. They had the defense, the grit, the poise. This wasn’t a fluke loss—it was a learning curve. Their seniors, Simmons and Mitchell, showed they belong on this stage. The question now: Can they carry this momentum into Atlantic 10 play? With a 5-1 record, they’re already ahead of projections. But they’ll need to fix their second-half fatigue. They scored 33 points in the first half. Only 37 in the second. That’s a 14-point drop. Against better teams, that’s fatal.Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Henri Veesaar’s 24-point performance for North Carolina’s future?
Veesaar’s 24-point game is the most by a UNC freshman center since Armando Bacot in 2020. His efficiency (10-of-14 FG) and ability to score in the post without fouling suggest he could become a starter by January. With Seth Trimble out, his development is critical—this game proves he can handle pressure and carry scoring load when needed.
Why did St. Bonaventure struggle in the second half?
St. Bonaventure’s defense wore down after 20 minutes. They relied on quickness and steals, but North Carolina’s size and ball movement exposed their lack of interior defense. The Bonnies also missed 11 of their 18 second-half three-point attempts, and their top scorers, Simmons and Mitchell, combined for just 10 points after halftime—down from 28 in the first half.
What’s the impact of Seth Trimble’s injury on North Carolina’s season?
Trimble’s broken forearm removes UNC’s most dynamic perimeter defender and secondary playmaker. His absence forced Davis to rely more on Veesaar and Wilson, which could strain the offense long-term. But if freshmen like Bogavac and Evans continue stepping up, the Tar Heels might not miss him as much as expected—especially if they stay healthy.
How does this result affect North Carolina’s NCAA Tournament seeding?
A 6-0 start, especially against a team like St. Bonaventure that’s projected to make the NCAA Tournament, boosts UNC’s resume. Their non-conference schedule includes Michigan State and likely a strong ACC slate. A win over the Spartans would solidify them as a top-10 seed. Losing to them? That’s a red flag. This game was a necessary step—now they must prove they can beat elite competition.
What does this say about the Fort Myers Tip-Off tournament’s competitiveness?
The tournament’s growing credibility is clear. St. Bonaventure, a mid-major with a 5-0 record, was a legitimate threat. North Carolina’s win wasn’t a cakewalk—it was a battle. That’s exactly what neutral-site tournaments should be: a test for top teams and a showcase for underdogs. If Michigan State wins their next game, this tournament could produce two NCAA Tournament locks.
Can St. Bonaventure still make the NCAA Tournament after this loss?
Absolutely. They’re already 5-1, with wins over three teams that made the 2024 NIT. Their schedule includes road games at Dayton and VCU, and they’re a strong candidate for an at-large bid if they win the Atlantic 10 Tournament. This loss hurts, but it doesn’t derail them. What matters now is consistency—especially in conference play.
