No. 16 North Carolina Stuns St. Bonaventure 85-70 in Fort Myers Tip-Off Semifinal
On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, the University of North Carolina Tar Heels pulled away in the second half to defeat the St. Bonaventure University Bonnies 85-70 in the semifinals of the Fort Myers Tip-OffFort Myers, Florida. The win improved Carolina’s record to 6-0 — their best start since the 2016-17 season — while the Bonnies dropped to 5-1. But this wasn’t just another early-season win. It was a statement. And it came thanks to a freshman center who turned the game on its head.
Henri Veesaar’s Breakout Performance
Seven-foot freshman Henri Veesaar didn’t just play well — he announced himself. With 24 points and 13 rebounds, both career highs, Veesaar dominated the paint in the second half, scoring 16 of his points after halftime. His presence inside forced St. Bonaventure into awkward shots, altered drives, and turned the game into a physical grind the Bonnies weren’t prepared for. He added three assists, too, showing more polish than most freshmen ever display. "He’s got hands like glue," said one assistant coach watching from the sideline. "And he’s not afraid to get dirty."
Caleb Wilson Makes History
While Veesaar stole the spotlight, Caleb Wilson quietly made history. The 6’7" forward posted his fourth straight double-double — 18 points and 12 rebounds — becoming the first Tar Heel freshman ever to do so in program history. That’s not a small feat. Not when you consider the legacy of players like Michael Jordan, Vince Carter, and Tyler Hansbrough. Wilson’s consistency is eerie. He’s averaging 16.8 points and 11.3 rebounds over his last four games. And he’s doing it while playing heavy minutes against physical teams. "He doesn’t need the ball to make an impact," said head coach Hubert Davis afterward. "He just shows up and owns the glass."
The First Half Rollercoaster
Don’t let the final score fool you — this game was anyone’s until the final 10 minutes. North Carolina stormed out to a 15-5 lead in the first four minutes, hitting three straight threes and turning steals into fast-break dunks. St. Bonaventure responded with a 16-4 run, capped by Andrew Osasuyi’s thunderous putback dunk that gave them a 30-28 lead. The Bonnies’ defense was active, swatting six shots and forcing 11 Tar Heel turnovers — which led to 10 easy points. Carolina led just 35-33 at the break, and the crowd in Fort Myers was electric.
But then came the second half. And everything changed.
The Turnaround: Defense, Discipline, and Dominance
After halftime, the Tar Heels looked like a different team. They committed just two turnovers in the entire 20 minutes — and neither resulted in points for St. Bonaventure. Meanwhile, the Bonnies went cold. They missed 10 of their first 14 field goal attempts after the break. "They came out of the locker room shooting cold," the official GoHeels.com recap noted. "And Carolina didn’t let them warm up."
North Carolina’s defense tightened like a vice. They held St. Bonaventure to just 16 points in the paint — compared to Carolina’s 36. They outrebounded the Bonnies 40-31, and their 21-of-27 free throw shooting (77.8%) was a dagger. St. Bonaventure, by contrast, managed just 5-of-8 from the line. "They didn’t just outscore us," said Bonnies head coach Kyle Macy. "They outworked us. And in the second half, we had no answer."
The Supporting Cast and Key Stats
Beyond Veesaar and Wilson, North Carolina got timely contributions. Kyan Evans added 11 points and three assists despite foul trouble. Luka Bogavac dished out a game-high four assists and hit key mid-range jumpers. Daniel Egbuniwe chipped in eight points off the bench, including two threes. For St. Bonaventure, Buddy Simmons II led all scorers with 22 points, and Frank Mitchell added 18 points and six rebounds. But their supporting cast faded. Cayden Charles had four points and four steals, but missed five of his seven shots. Jarin Stevenson, their most reliable veteran, shot 4-of-8 but never found rhythm.
Statistically, Carolina dominated in efficiency: 50.9% from the field, 44.4% from three, and a crushing 21-of-27 from the line. St. Bonaventure shot 41.4% overall and struggled from deep (41.2%) and especially at the stripe. Their 9 steals were impressive, but Carolina’s ball security in the second half neutralized it.
What’s Next? A Showdown with Michigan State
North Carolina advances to face Michigan State on Thanksgiving Thursday, November 27, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. EST on FOX. The Spartans, ranked in the top 10, are coming off a 20-point win over Florida State. It’s a classic early-season showdown: two blue-blood programs with national title aspirations. For Carolina, it’s a chance to prove they’re not just a hot start — they’re a contender. For Michigan State, it’s a statement game to validate their own hype.
As for St. Bonaventure? They’ll head home with a 5-1 record and a lot to build on. But this loss stings. They had the Tar Heels on the ropes. They just couldn’t finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is North Carolina’s 6-0 start this season?
It’s their best start since the 2016-17 season, when they opened 9-0 and reached the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet 16. This year’s team has already matched that win total in just six games, and they’ve done it against a tougher non-conference schedule. Only two teams in the last decade — Duke in 2018 and Kentucky in 2015 — opened 6-0 with more top-25 wins than Carolina has this year.
Why is Henri Veesaar’s performance surprising?
Veesaar was a three-star recruit from Estonia with limited high school exposure in the U.S. He wasn’t projected to start as a freshman, let alone dominate a Power Five opponent. His 24-point, 13-rebound line is the best by a UNC freshman center since Brice Johnson in 2013. His ability to finish in traffic and protect the rim has already made him a fan favorite — and a nightmare for opposing big men.
What does Caleb Wilson’s four straight double-doubles mean for UNC’s future?
It’s historic. No Tar Heel freshman has ever recorded four straight double-doubles. Even more telling: he’s done it while playing both forward spots and defending elite post players. If he continues at this pace, he’ll be a first-round NBA draft pick by next spring. More immediately, he gives UNC a reliable inside-out threat that stretches defenses and opens driving lanes for guards like Bogavac and Evans.
Why did St. Bonaventure struggle so badly in the second half?
They missed their first 10 of 14 field goals after halftime, and Carolina’s defense locked in. The Tar Heels switched more effectively, forced the Bonnies into contested mid-range jumpers, and limited second-chance opportunities. St. Bonaventure’s offense relies on rhythm and ball movement — but UNC’s physicality disrupted both. They also shot just 5-of-8 from the line, while Carolina went 21-of-27. That’s a 16-point swing in free throws alone.
How does this win impact North Carolina’s NCAA Tournament chances?
A win over Michigan State in the final would be a massive resume-builder. Even without it, beating a solid mid-major like St. Bonaventure on the road (in a neutral site) adds depth to their profile. With Veesaar and Wilson emerging, UNC now has two legitimate frontcourt stars — a rarity in modern college basketball. If they can maintain their defensive discipline and improve their three-point shooting, they’re a serious Final Four contender.
What’s the significance of the Fort Myers Tip-Off tournament?
It’s a high-profile early-season tournament that attracts top-25 teams like UNC, Michigan State, and Florida State. Winning it doesn’t guarantee NCAA success, but it gives teams exposure, confidence, and a win over a quality opponent before conference play begins. For UNC, it’s also a chance to test their depth and chemistry against physical, disciplined teams — exactly what they’ll face in March.
