CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Interstat) — Henri Veesaar scored 26 points to lead North Carolina past Virginia Tech 89-82 in an Atlantic Coast Conference men’s basketball game Saturday at Dean Smith Center.

The teams were tied at 44 at halftime before the Tar Heels pulled away. North Carolina’s efficiency proved decisive, shooting 55.8% from the floor and capitalizing at the free-throw line, making 23 of 30 attempts. Seth Trimble added 20 points for North Carolina.

Virginia Tech, which shot 50% from the field and was perfect on 11 free throws, was led by Neoklis Avdalas with 19 points and Tobi Lawal with 16. The Hokies forced 12 turnovers but were outrebounded on the offensive glass.

North Carolina improved to 23-6. Virginia Tech fell to 18-11. Attendance was 21,750.