North Carolina Edges Kentucky in Close Contest
Tuesday, December 2, 2025, 9:30 PM ET · Rupp Arena
North Carolina Tar Heels 67, Kentucky Wildcats 64, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won North Carolina Tar Heels vs Kentucky Wildcats?
North Carolina Tar Heels beat Kentucky Wildcats 67-64 at Rupp Arena on December 2, 2025.
Who was favored in North Carolina Tar Heels vs Kentucky Wildcats?
Kentucky Wildcats were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -305 (about 75% implied). The underdog won.
In a tightly contested matchup, the North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the Kentucky Wildcats 67-64 at Rupp Arena. This victory marked North Carolina's second consecutive win over Kentucky, having previously triumphed in their last meeting earlier in the season. The Tar Heels now hold a 1-0 record against the Wildcats in the current season, continuing to build on their recent success.
The Wildcats, with a home record of 5-3, have struggled in their recent outings, posting a 4-6 record over their last ten games. They have averaged 78.8 points scored per game while allowing 79.8 points to their opponents. In their last five games, Kentucky has a record of 2-3, scoring an average of 78.0 points and allowing 81.0 points. Their most recent game ended in a loss against the Florida Gators, where they fell 63-71.
On the other hand, the Tar Heels have been performing well, boasting a 7-1 record overall and a 6-4 record in their last ten games. They have averaged 72.4 points scored per game while allowing 72.9 points. However, they are currently on a two-game losing streak, having lost their last two games against the Clemson Tigers and the Duke Blue Devils. In their last five games, North Carolina has a record of 3-2, with an average of 74.6 points scored and 75.0 points allowed.
When looking at home versus away performance, Kentucky has a home record of 2-2 in their last ten games, while North Carolina has struggled on the road, holding a 1-3 record in away games during that same span. This matchup at Rupp Arena was significant for both teams, especially for Kentucky, who were looking to turn around their recent form.
In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but both teams have had to navigate their rosters carefully throughout the season. The absence of key players can often impact the dynamics of such high-stakes games.
The betting market, as provided by DraftKings, had Kentucky favored by 7.5 points, with a total set at 163.5. The home money line for Kentucky was -305.0, while North Carolina's money line was listed at 245.0. These odds reflect the expectations surrounding the matchup, with Kentucky seen as the stronger team on paper.
Conditions at Rupp Arena were typical for a basketball game, with a charged atmosphere as fans filled the stands to support their teams. The fixture was anticipated to be a showcase of talent, and it did not disappoint. Viewers were treated to a competitive game that saw multiple lead changes and a thrilling finish.
As the game unfolded, key moments included a crucial three-point jumper by Luka Bogavac that put North Carolina ahead 61-59 in the second half. The scoring continued to fluctuate, with both teams exchanging points in a tense final stretch. Ultimately, it was North Carolina's ability to execute under pressure that secured their victory, with Caleb Wilson making a free throw to seal the game at 67-64.
This matchup serves as a reminder of the fierce rivalry between these two storied programs, and it will be interesting to see how both teams respond in their upcoming games.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UK -7.5 | 163.5 o -112 / u -108 | North Carolina Tar Heels +245 · Kentucky Wildcats -305 |
Leaders
- PointsOtega Oweh16Kentucky Wildcats
- AssistsDenzel Aberdeen4Kentucky Wildcats
- ReboundsMalachi Moreno9Kentucky Wildcats
- PointsHenri Veesaar17North Carolina Tar Heels
- AssistsCaleb Wilson6North Carolina Tar Heels
- ReboundsCaleb Wilson12North Carolina Tar Heels
Recent form
Kentucky Wildcats
Last 10: 4-6Streak L178.8 scored · 79.8 allowed per game2-2 at home
- L63-71at Florida GatorsMar 13
- W78-72at Missouri TigersMar 12
- W87-82vs LSU TigersMar 11
- L77-84vs Florida GatorsMar 7
- L85-96at Texas A&M AggiesMar 4
- W91-77vs Vanderbilt CommodoresFeb 28
- W72-63at South Carolina GamecocksFeb 25
- L74-75at Auburn TigersFeb 22
- L78-86vs Georgia BulldogsFeb 18
- L83-92at Florida GatorsFeb 14
North Carolina Tar Heels
Last 10: 6-4Streak L272.4 scored · 72.9 allowed per game1-3 away
- L79-80vs Clemson TigersMar 13
- L61-76at Duke Blue DevilsMar 7
- W67-63vs Clemson TigersMar 4
- W89-82vs Virginia Tech HokiesMar 1
- W77-74vs Louisville CardinalsFeb 24
- W77-64at Syracuse OrangeFeb 21
- L58-82at NC State WolfpackFeb 18
- W79-65vs Pittsburgh PanthersFeb 14
- L66-75at Miami HurricanesFeb 11
- W71-68vs Duke Blue DevilsFeb 7
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
| Florida | 27-8 | - | 16-2 |
| Arkansas | 28-9 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Alabama | 25-10 | 3 | 13-5 |
| Vanderbilt | 27-9 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Tennessee | 25-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Texas A&M | 22-12 | 5 | 11-7 |
| Georgia | 22-11 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Kentucky | 22-14 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Missouri | 20-13 | 6 | 10-8 |
| Texas | 21-15 | 7 | 9-9 |
| Auburn | 22-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Oklahoma | 21-16 | 9 | 7-11 |
| Mississippi State | 13-19 | 11 | 5-13 |
| Ole Miss | 15-20 | 12 | 4-14 |
| South Carolina | 13-19 | 12 | 4-14 |
| LSU | 15-17 | 13 | 3-15 |
Box score
| Stat | North Carolina Tar Heels | Kentucky Wildcats |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 26-64 | 23-53 |
| Field goal % | 41 | 43 |
| Three-pointers | 6-20 | 1-13 |
| Three-point % | 30 | 8 |
| Free throws | 9-15 | 17-22 |
| Free throw % | 60 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 41 | 30 |
| Offensive rebounds | 20 | 8 |
| Defensive rebounds | 21 | 22 |
| Assists | 13 | 8 |
| Steals | 5 | 8 |
| Blocks | 2 | 7 |
| Turnovers | 12 | 9 |
| Team turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Technical fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Technical fouls, total | 0 | 0 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 7 | 13 |
| Fast-break points | 6 | 13 |
| Points in the paint | 34 | 42 |
| Fouls | 19 | 18 |
| Largest lead | 3 | 6 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half33-35Henri Veesaar made Layup.
- 2nd Half33-36Collin Chandler made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half33-37Collin Chandler made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half33-39Denzel Aberdeen made Jumper.
- 2nd Half35-39Caleb Wilson made Layup.
- 2nd Half35-41Otega Oweh made Layup. Assisted by Denzel Aberdeen.
- 2nd Half38-41Luka Bogavac made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Kyan Evans.
- 2nd Half40-41Henri Veesaar made Layup.
- 2nd Half40-43Malachi Moreno made Dunk. Assisted by Otega Oweh.
- 2nd Half42-43Jarin Stevenson made Jumper.
- 2nd Half44-43Henri Veesaar made Jumper.
- 2nd Half44-45Andrija Jelavić made Layup.
- 2nd Half44-48Brandon Garrison made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Denzel Aberdeen.
- 2nd Half44-49Otega Oweh made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half46-49Henri Veesaar made Jumper. Assisted by Luka Bogavac.
- 2nd Half47-49Henri Veesaar made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half47-50Collin Chandler made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half47-51Collin Chandler made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half49-51Henri Veesaar made Dunk. Assisted by Derek Dixon.
- 2nd Half49-52Trent Noah made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half49-53Trent Noah made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-53Caleb Wilson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-54Malachi Moreno made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-55Otega Oweh made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half50-56Otega Oweh made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half52-56Caleb Wilson made Jumper.
- 2nd Half53-56Caleb Wilson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half54-56Caleb Wilson made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half56-56Zayden High made Layup. Assisted by Caleb Wilson.
- 2nd Half56-57Malachi Moreno made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half58-57Henri Veesaar made Dunk.
- 2nd Half58-59Otega Oweh made Layup.
- 2nd Half61-59Luka Bogavac made Three Point Jumper. Assisted by Caleb Wilson.
- 2nd Half61-60Otega Oweh made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half61-61Malachi Moreno made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half61-62Malachi Moreno made Free Throw.
- 2nd Half64-62Derek Dixon made Three Point Jumper.
- 2nd Half64-64Collin Chandler made Layup.
- 2nd Half66-64Derek Dixon made Layup.
- 2nd Half67-64Caleb Wilson made Free Throw.
Win probability
Above the line favours Kentucky Wildcats, below favours North Carolina Tar Heels.
Venue
- Rupp ArenaLexington, KY
- Attendance20029
- OfficialsDon Daily, Joe Lindsay, K.B. Burdett Jr.
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