The highly anticipated matchup between No. 12 North Carolina and Ohio State is set to take place on December 20, 2023, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta. This clash marks the 17th meeting between the two storied programs, with North Carolina leading the all-time series 13-3. The Tar Heels have dominated in recent years, winning eight of the last nine encounters, including their last meeting during the CBS Sports Classic in 2022.
North Carolina enters this game with an impressive record of 10-1. Their only loss this season came against Michigan State last month. The Tar Heels have shown resilience, already achieving a record of 2-1 against Quad 1 opponents, a marked improvement compared to their single win against such opponents last season. Over the course of a current four-game winning streak, North Carolina has triumphed by margins of at least 18 points in three of those contests.
In contrast, Ohio State has struggled recently, holding a 2-2 record in their last four games, which includes losses to Pittsburgh and Illinois. However, they come off a thrilling 89-88 victory over West Virginia, where star guard Bruce Thornton shone brightly, scoring 23 points, including 19 after halftime, to secure the win in double overtime.
Key Players to Watch
As the teams prepare for this crucial encounter, North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson stands out as a significant player. Projected as a top-five pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, Wilson is having a stellar season, averaging 19.5 points, 10.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists. He has recorded double-doubles in seven games thus far, making him a vital player for the Tar Heels. If Ohio State fails to contain him, it could lead to a challenging evening for the Buckeyes.
Ohio State’s offense has also made headlines this season, averaging 87.6 points per game, potentially marking their best scoring average since the 1969-70 season, when they averaged 88.1 points. Thornton has been the driving force behind this offensive surge, averaging 21.8 points per game. The Buckeyes also benefit from contributions by three other players—John Mobley Jr., Christoph Tilly, and Devin Royal—who each average at least 13 points.
Injury Updates and Historical Context
North Carolina is expected to welcome back standout defender Seth Trimble, who has been sidelined for the past month due to a forearm injury. His return could significantly bolster the Tar Heels’ defensive capabilities, which have been impressive this season, allowing only 64.1 points per game and not permitting more than 75 points in any game.
With a potential victory over Ohio State, North Carolina could reach an 11-1 record, the best start since the 2008-09 season, when they began 12-0 and ultimately clinched the national title. Coach Hubert Davis faces mounting pressure this season, and a strong performance against Ohio State could alleviate some of that burden.
As the game approaches, the spotlight will be on the showdown between Ohio State’s high-powered offense and North Carolina’s disciplined defense. If the Tar Heels can effectively manage the Buckeyes’ scoring threats, they are poised for a solid victory. Predictions suggest that North Carolina could win by at least five points, making them the favored team in this classic matchup.
For those looking to catch the action, the game will be broadcast live on CBS and available for streaming on CBSSports.com and the CBS Sports App.
