The second edition of the CBS Sports Classic is set to showcase a highly anticipated clash between No. 12 North Carolina and Ohio State in Atlanta. This marks the 17th encounter between these two storied programs and the first since their meeting in 2022. Historically, North Carolina leads the series 13-3 and has emerged victorious in eight of the last nine confrontations.
The Tar Heels are off to an impressive start this season, boasting a 10-1 record. Their only defeat came at the hands of Michigan State last month. Notably, UNC has shown competitiveness against strong teams, with a 2-1 record against Quad 1 opponents, already surpassing last season’s total of one win against top-tier competition. Currently riding a four-game winning streak, three of those victories have been by margins exceeding 18 points.
In contrast, Ohio State has had a mixed performance lately, going 2-2 over their last four games. They faced setbacks against Pitt and Illinois, but they recently secured an exhilarating 89-88 triumph over West Virginia, highlighted by Bruce Thornton’s impressive 23-point contribution.
Fans can catch the North Carolina vs. Ohio State matchup live on Saturday, Dec. 20, at 3 p.m. ET at State Farm Arena. The game will air on CBS and will also be available for streaming on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App.
As the game approaches, all eyes will be on UNC’s Caleb Wilson, who is regarded as a premier NBA Draft prospect. The former five-star recruit is having a standout season, averaging 19.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists, with seven double-doubles to his name. His performance will be crucial for UNC, as Ohio State must find a way to keep him in check.
Ohio State’s offense has been historically potent this season, averaging 87.6 points per game, the best since the 1969-70 season. Thornton has been a key player in this offensive surge, averaging 21.8 points, supported by teammates John Mobley Jr., Christoph Tilly, and Devin Royal, each contributing over 13 points. However, the Buckeyes will face a significant challenge against UNC’s formidable defense, which allows only 64.1 points per game and has not surrendered more than 75 points in any outing this season.
Adding to North Carolina’s prospects, standout defender Seth Trimble is expected to return against Ohio State after a month-long recovery from a forearm injury. His presence could be pivotal in bolstering the Tar Heels’ defense.
With a potential victory, UNC could achieve an 11-1 record, which would be their best start since the 2008-09 season, a year that culminated in a national championship title.
The spotlight will be on the duel between Ohio State’s explosive offense and UNC’s ironclad defense. If the Tar Heels manage to stifle the Buckeyes, they are likely to secure a win, boosted by Wilson’s anticipated double-double performance. Predictions lean toward a North Carolina victory by at least five points.