CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Interstat) — The North Carolina Tar Heels, riding high after a decisive victory over South Carolina Upstate, will host the surging East Tennessee State Buccaneers in a nonconference men’s basketball matchup Tuesday night at the Dean Smith Center.

North Carolina (9-1) has won three straight since its lone loss to Michigan State on Nov. 27, including a marquee road win at Kentucky on Dec. 2. The Tar Heels are led by standout forward Caleb Wilson, who is averaging 19.8 points and 6.9 rebounds per game. Wilson is coming off a 20-point, 11-rebound double-double in the 80-62 win over Upstate, his third 20-point performance in the last five games.

East Tennessee State (8-3) arrives looking to rebound from a narrow 76-75 road loss at Austin Peay last Friday. The Buccaneers have been potent offensively, scoring 90 or more points three times this season. They are powered by guard Brian Taylor, who posted a triple-double of 14 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists in a win over Central Arkansas on Nov. 29. Taylor leads ETSU with 19 points in its recent loss.

The Buccaneers have faced one major conference opponent this season, falling 88-71 at Dayton on Dec. 2. This game represents a significant step up in competition against a Carolina team that ranks among the nation’s elite. The Tar Heels have dominated at home, winning by an average of 22.2 points in five games at the Smith Center this season.

For ETSU, containing Wilson and the Tar Heels’ interior presence will be a primary challenge. For North Carolina, slowing Taylor’s playmaking and mitigating ETSU’s offensive rhythm will be key ahead of a Saturday showdown with Ohio State in Atlanta.

Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. EST. The game will be broadcast on the ACC Network.