Two blue bloods will meet again on the hardwood at the CBS Sports Classic this season. The UNC men’s basketball program confirmed it will face off against Kentucky in the 10th iteration of the annual event.

The Tar Heels are 6-3 all-time in the CBS Sports Classic, but just 1-3 against the Wildcats. The most recent meeting came in December 2021, when Kentucky throttled Carolina 98-69 in Las Vegas.

UNC’s most recent appearance in the CBS Sports Classic saw the Tar Heels outlast Ohio State 89-84 in Madison Square Garden last season. A buzzer-beating shot from Pete Nance forced overtime before Carolina pulled away in the extra session.

This year’s CBS Sports Classic will be played in Atlanta on Saturday, December 16. UCLA and Ohio State will play the first game of the doubleheader event at 3 p.m., with the Tar Heels and Wildcats following up at 5:30 p.m. CBS will broadcast the games.

Carolina and Kentucky have combined for 38 Final Fours and 11 NCAA championships. The two programs are Nos. 1 and 2 in all-time winning percentage, NCAA Tournament appearances, games and victories. They are also both in the top three in all-time wins.

 

Featured image via Associated Press/Joe Buglewicz

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our biweekly newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
CBS Sports Classic Adds Kansas, Sets UNC's Matchups for Next 4 Years
The CBS Sports Classic, a marquee event on the college basketball non-conference calendar, has been extended through the 2029-30 season. In addition, the event has also set UNC’s matchups for the next four seasons and added Kansas to replace St. John’s in the four-team field. St. John’s participated in the 2025 event as a replacement […]
UNC Men's Basketball to Face Ohio State in Atlanta For CBS Sports Classic
Another key non-conference date for UNC next season has been finalized. The Tar Heels will face Ohio State in the CBS Sports Classic at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on December 20. A tip-off time will be announced later, though UNC’s game is confirmed to be the first of the day’s doubleheader. Mark your calendars […]
UNC Men's Basketball To Face Ohio State in CBS Sports Classic
The Tar Heels will be taking their talents to The World’s Most Famous Arena. The UNC men’s basketball program announced it would play Ohio State as part of the annual CBS Sports Classic this season. The game is scheduled for December 17, and will be played in Madison Square Garden in New York City. Meet […]
UNC Men's Basketball Mindful of Duke Game's Importance, But Still Tuning Out 'Circus'
Caleb Wilson, Seth Trimble and Hubert Davis each have their own ways of getting ready for UNC's matchup with Duke Saturday night.
UNC Men's Basketball vs. Duke (2026): How to Watch, Cord-Cutting Options and Tip-Off Time
UNC will host No. 4 Duke for a primetime rivalry showdown Saturday night at the Smith Center. The Tar Heels are looking to snap a three-game losing streak against the Blue Devils. If you aren’t attending the game in person, here’s how to follow along at home: Broadcast Schedule Those hoping to listen on the […]
Financial Report Shows UNC Athletics Operated at $15 Million Deficit in 2024-25 Year
The newest financial report from the UNC athletic department to the NCAA shows the department operated at a deficit of more than $15 million during the 2024-25 fiscal year. The department reported revenues of $172,951,034 and reported expenses of $187,967,260. The UNC athletic department had operated at a profit in each of the past three […]
Chansky's Notebook: Bluest Bloods
UNC and Duke both have had players who stepped onto the court for the first time in the rivalry and led their teams to wins. Who's next?
Chansky's Notebook: Time Will Tell
UNC is not a perfect team but is becoming a good one. How good remains to be seen as the Tar Heels embark on a difficult stretch.
'Unacceptable': UNC Men's Basketball Disgruntled After Nearly Losing 32-Point Lead
UNC came close to writing one of the darkest chapters in program history Monday night in the Smith Center. That’s no hyperbole. After building up a 32-point lead against Syracuse, the Tar Heels saw that lead dwindle down to as little as six points in less than nine minutes of game time before the Orange […]
UNC Nearly Loses Enormous Lead, But Still Beats Syracuse in Chapel Hill
Syracuse cut what had been a 32-point UNC lead in the second half down to as little as six points, but the Tar Heels held on to beat the Orange 87-77 at the Smith Center Monday night. It’s Carolina’s fourth win in a row. HEELS WIN.#CarolinaFamily | @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/5UV6IfTrEt — Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) February 3, […]
›