The second leg of the CBS Sports Classic from Atlanta will feature a marquee matchup between No. 12 North Carolina and Ohio State. This will be the 17th meeting between the programs and the first since the CBS Sports Classic in 2022. UNC leads the all-time series 13-3 and has won eight of its last nine games.
North Carolina is off to a strong start. The Tar Heels are 10-1, with the only loss coming last month against Michigan State. UNC is 2-1 against Quad 1 opponents this season, which is one more win (1-13) than the program had last season. During the Tar Heels’ four-game win streak, three of the wins were by at least 18 points.
Ohio State is 2-2 in its last four games, with losses to Pitt and Illinois during that stretch. The Buckeyes are coming off a thrilling 89-88 win over West Virginia behind a 23-point performance from star guard Bruce Thornton, who scored 19 points after halftime to propel his team to a double-overtime victory.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of UNC’s game against Ohio State.
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Where to watch North Carolina vs. Watch Ohio State live
Date: Saturday December 20 | Time: 3:00 PM ET
Location: State Farm Arena – Atlanta
TV: CBS | Live stream: CBSSports.com, CBS Sports App
Stream on Paramount+ Premium
North Carolina vs. Ohio State: Need to Know
Keep an eye on UNC’s Caleb Wilson: The best NBA draft prospect playing in this game is Wilson. The former five-star recruit is expected to be in the top five of this summer’s roster due to his strong start to the season. Wilson is averaging 19.5 points, 10.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists. So far, he has recorded a double-double in seven games. If Ohio State can’t contain him, it will be a long night for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State’s offense is off to a historic start: Entering this game, Ohio State is scoring 87.6 points per game. That’s on pace to be the most for the Buckeyes since the 1969-70 campaign (88.1 ppg). The head of the offense is Thornton, who is averaging 21.8 points. However, Ohio State has three other players (John Mobley Jr., Christoph Tilly and Devin Royal) averaging at least 13 points. Notably, UNC is allowing just 64.1 points per game and has not allowed more than 75 in a game this season.
Seth Trimble expected to return for UNC: According to Matt Norlander of CBS Sports, the standout defenseman from North Carolina is expected to return against Ohio State after missing the past month with a forearm injury. He has missed the last nine games for the Tar Heels and is one of their most important players.
UNC can match its best start since the 2008-09 season: It’s no secret that UNC coach Hubert Davis has been under pressure this season. Through the first month and a half of the season, his team has played extremely well. With a win over the Buckeyes, UNC can improve to 11-1, which would be the program’s best start since the 2008-09 season. That year, UNC started 12-0 and went on to win the national title.
North Carolina vs. Ohio State Prediction, Choice
The matchup you can see here is Ohio State’s offense versus UNC’s defense. If the Tar Heels can limit an explosive offense, Hubert’s team should be able to come away with a win. Wilson is the X-Factor here. He was a double-double machine this season and I expect him to finish with one against Ohio State. Give me UNC to win by at least five points. Pick: North Carolina -4.5
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