Overview
- Trimble is expected to rejoin the lineup Saturday after missing nine games with a forearm injury from a November weight-room accident.
- The senior guard is regarded as North Carolina’s veteran leader and top perimeter defender, with productive offense in limited action this season.
- North Carolina enters on a four-game win streak at 10-1, as coach Hubert Davis emphasizes sustaining intensity throughout the opening stretches.
- Freshmen Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar anchor the frontcourt, with Wilson averaging 19.5 points and 10.4 rebounds and Veesaar at 16.9 and 9.1.
- Ohio State brings a balanced challenge led by Bruce Thornton’s 21.8 points per game, with Christoph Tilly and Devin Royal adding efficient scoring as the Buckeyes seek a résumé boost after going 0-3 vs. UNC in prior CBS Sports Classic meetings.