CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Interstat) — Henri Veesaar scored 25 points to lead North Carolina to an 87-84 victory over Wake Forest in a men’s Atlantic Coast Conference basketball game Saturday at Dean Smith Center.

The Tar Heels led 49-38 at halftime but were outscored 46-38 after the break, needing late free throws to secure the win. Nate Calmese and Juke Harris each scored 28 points for the Demon Deacons, who erased a large deficit but fell short.

North Carolina improved to 14-2 overall. Wake Forest dropped to 10-7. The Tar Heels shot 52.7% from the field and made 20 free throws, overcoming 14 turnovers. Wake Forest hit 14 3-pointers but had 13 turnovers. Attendance was 21,750.