Scott Clark
Dec 17, 2023 - 03:05

UNC basketball vs. Kentucky: CBS Sports Classic scouting report and prediction

UNC basketball returns to face Kentucky after a break. Rebounding will be key. Tar Heels have edge in series. Prediction: UNC 84, Kentucky 82.

After a 10-day hiatus, the University of North Carolina's basketball team is set to return to the court this Saturday to take on the University of Kentucky. The ninth-ranked Tar Heels, with a record of 7-2 and 1-0 in the ACC, will face off against the 14th-ranked Wildcats, who also hold a 7-2 record. The game is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. and will be televised on CBS as part of the CBS Sports Classic at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.

UNC and Kentucky will be the second game of the day, following the matchup between Ohio State and UCLA. The Tar Heels have historically held the edge in the all-time series against the Wildcats, with a record of 25-17. However, in recent years, Kentucky has emerged victorious in three out of the four games played in the CBS Sports Classic.

The key to this game will likely be rebounding, as seen in UNC's losses to UConn and Villanova, where their opponents secured more second-chance points and rebounds. The Tar Heels are currently ranked 88th in the nation for rebounds per game, while Kentucky is tied for 132nd. In the past five meetings between the two teams, the victor has often been the one who dominated the battle on the glass.

Another factor to consider is the free-throw rate, with UNC currently boasting its highest rate in the KenPom.com era. On the other hand, Kentucky has been successful in limiting their opponents' free-throw opportunities in their wins, but has struggled in their losses.

A standout player for Kentucky has been freshman Reed Sheppard, who has been the team's most productive player so far, averaging 13 points per game and leading the team in steals. With nearly 40% of their shots coming from beyond the arc, the Wildcats have been successful in their three-point shooting, boasting the third-best percentage in the nation.

In terms of a prediction, the game is expected to be high-scoring, with UNC having the advantage due to their big-game experience this season. The final score is anticipated to be close, with UNC emerging victorious with a score of 84-82.