No. 12 North Carolina Faces Ohio State in Pivotal CBS Sports Classic Matchup
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The second leg of the CBS Sports Classic in Atlanta sets the stage for a compelling contest between No. 12 North Carolina and Ohio State, a rivalry with a rich history and significant implications for both programs. This will be the 17th all-time meeting between the Tar Heels and the Buckeyes, and the first since the CBS Sports Classic in 2022. North Carolina currently holds a commanding 13-3 lead in the series, having won eight of the last nine encounters.
Tar Heels Aim to Match Best Start in Over a Decade
North Carolina enters the game with a stellar 10-1 record, their lone defeat coming against Michigan State last month. The Tar Heels have demonstrated impressive consistency, particularly in conference play, boasting a 2-1 record against Quad 1 opponents – a marked improvement from their 1-13 record against such competition last season. A victory over Ohio State would propel UNC to an 11-1 start, matching their best record since the 2008-09 season, a year that culminated in a national championship.
“This team has shown incredible resilience and growth,” noted one analyst, observing the Tar Heels’ strong performance under head coach Hubert Davis. “A win here would be a significant statement.”
During their current four-game winning streak, North Carolina has dominated opponents, securing three victories by a margin of at least 18 points, showcasing their ability to control the game and impose their will.
Buckeyes Seek to Build Momentum After Thrilling Win
Ohio State, currently 2-2 in their last four games, is coming off a dramatic 89-88 double-overtime victory against West Virginia. Star guard Bruce Thornton led the charge with a remarkable 23-point performance, scoring 19 of those points in the second half to secure the win.
The Buckeyes’ offense is currently firing on all cylinders, averaging 87.6 points per game, a pace that, if maintained, would represent their highest scoring output since the 1969-70 campaign (88.1 ppg). Thornton is the driving force, averaging 21.8 points, but Ohio State boasts a balanced attack with three other players – John Mobley Jr., Christoph Tilly, and Devin Royal – each contributing at least 13 points per game.
However, Ohio State will face a significant defensive challenge against North Carolina, which is allowing just 64.1 points per game and has yet to concede more than 75 points in a single contest this season.
Key Players to Watch
All eyes will be on North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson, widely considered the best NBA Draft prospect in this matchup. The former five-star recruit is averaging an impressive 19.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, and has already recorded seven double-doubles this season.
“If Ohio State can’t contain Wilson, it will be a long night for the Buckeyes,” a scouting report indicated.
Adding to North Carolina’s strength, standout defender Seth Trimble is expected to return to the lineup after missing the last nine games with a forearm injury, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Norlander. His presence will bolster the Tar Heels’ already formidable defense.
Prediction and Betting Odds
The key to this game lies in the clash between Ohio State’s potent offense and North Carolina’s stingy defense. If the Tar Heels can effectively limit the Buckeyes’ scoring opportunities, they are well-positioned to secure a victory. Wilson’s performance will be a critical factor, and he is expected to deliver another strong double-double performance.
Based on current analysis, North Carolina is favored to win by at least five points.
Pick: North Carolina -4.5
For those seeking further insights, SportsLine offers predictions based on a model that simulates each game 10,000 times and has generated over $1,200 in profit for $100 bettors on its top-rated spread picks over the past six years.
Where to Watch North Carolina vs. Ohio State Live
- Date: Saturday, Dec. 20
- Time: 3 pm ET
- Location: State Farm Arena – Atlanta
- TV: CBS
- Live Stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App
- Streaming: Paramount+ Premium
