NCAAB · Final

North Carolina Edges Ohio State in Nail-Biter

Saturday, December 20, 2025, 3:26 PM ET · State Farm Arena

North Carolina Tar Heels 71, Ohio State Buckeyes 70, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.

Next free pick (not the main pick)

The next free pick, for your email

Team, bet, price and the hash it was sealed under, on this page the moment you send. Lose or win, it stays public.

Unlock today's pick in Telegram →

or by email

Public record of the main pick, losses included: 115 won, 44 lost. See every pick

One free pick a day by email until you unsubscribe, in one click. 21+.

Get the daily free pick · See plans

Quick answers

Who won North Carolina Tar Heels vs Ohio State Buckeyes?

North Carolina Tar Heels beat Ohio State Buckeyes 71-70 at State Farm Arena on December 20, 2025.

Who was favored in North Carolina Tar Heels vs Ohio State Buckeyes?

North Carolina Tar Heels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -155 (about 61% implied). The favorite won.

In a tightly contested matchup, the North Carolina Tar Heels narrowly defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes with a final score of 71-70 at State Farm Arena. This game showcased the competitive spirit of both teams, highlighting their contrasting recent forms and the stakes involved in this high-profile college basketball clash.

North Carolina entered the game with an impressive away record of 11-1, bolstered by a four-game winning streak. Their recent performances have been solid, with an average of 79.4 points scored and 65.1 points allowed over their last ten games. In their last outing, they secured a convincing 77-58 victory against East Tennessee State Buccaneers. This strong form has positioned them as a formidable opponent, particularly given their ability to perform well away from home, where they hold a 1-0 record this season.

On the other hand, Ohio State has been performing well at home, boasting a record of 8-3 overall and a recent home record of 7-1. They came into this game having won their last match against West Virginia Mountaineers, 89-88, and had an average of 87.6 points scored while allowing 72.9 points over their last ten games. Despite their strong home performance, the Buckeyes faced a tough challenge against a well-rounded Tar Heels squad.

The matchup also had historical significance, as both teams have a storied rivalry in college basketball, making each encounter a must-watch for fans. However, the focus was on the present, with both teams eager to secure a victory to enhance their standings.

In terms of injuries, the block did not provide specific details, but any absence of key players could have influenced the dynamics of the game. The conditions at State Farm Arena were conducive for a competitive game, and the atmosphere was charged with excitement from both fan bases.

Betting odds from DraftKings indicated that North Carolina was favored by 2.5 points, with a total set at 157.5. The odds reflected the expectations surrounding the game, considering North Carolina's strong away performance and Ohio State's home advantage.

As the game unfolded, it was clear that both teams were determined to seize control. The scoring plays were pivotal, with Christoph Tilly contributing crucial free throws for North Carolina, while Bruce Thornton and John Mobley Jr. made significant shots for Ohio State. The back-and-forth nature of the game kept fans on the edge of their seats, especially as the final moments approached.

Ultimately, it was Henri Veesaar's dunk that sealed the victory for North Carolina, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The final score of 71-70 underscored the competitive nature of the matchup and the high stakes involved for both programs.

This game will be remembered not only for its thrilling finish but also for the implications it has for both teams moving forward in the season.

Odds

Book	Spread	Total	Moneyline
DraftKings	UNC -2.5	157.5 o -110 / u -110	North Carolina Tar Heels -155 · Ohio State Buckeyes +130

What these prices pay on $100 · What these numbers mean

Leaders

PointsDevin Royal18Ohio State Buckeyes
AssistsBruce Thornton4Ohio State Buckeyes
ReboundsChristoph Tilly10Ohio State Buckeyes
PointsCaleb Wilson20North Carolina Tar Heels
AssistsHenri Veesaar5North Carolina Tar Heels
ReboundsCaleb Wilson15North Carolina Tar Heels

Recent form

Ohio State Buckeyes

Last 10: 8-2Streak W187.6 scored · 72.9 allowed per game7-1 at home

W89-88vs West Virginia MountaineersDec 14
L80-88vs Illinois Fighting IlliniDec 10
W86-82at Northwestern WildcatsDec 6
L66-67at Pittsburgh PanthersNov 29
W113-60vs Mount St. Mary's MountaineersNov 25
W91-58vs Western Michigan BroncosNov 21
W64-63vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishNov 16
W75-53vs App State MountaineersNov 11
W94-68vs Purdue Fort Wayne MastodonsNov 7
W118-102vs IU Indianapolis JaguarsNov 3

North Carolina Tar Heels

Last 10: 9-1Streak W479.4 scored · 65.1 allowed per game1-0 away

W77-58vs East Tennessee State BuccaneersDec 17
W80-62vs South Carolina Upstate SpartansDec 13
W81-61vs Georgetown HoyasDec 7
W67-64at Kentucky WildcatsDec 3
L58-74vs Michigan State SpartansNov 27
W85-70vs St. Bonaventure BonniesNov 25
W73-61vs Navy MidshipmenNov 19
W97-53vs North Carolina Central EaglesNov 15
W89-74vs Radford HighlandersNov 12
W87-74vs Kansas JayhawksNov 8

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
Michigan	37-3	-	19-1
Nebraska	28-7	4	15-5
Michigan State	27-8	4	15-5
Illinois	28-9	4	15-5
Wisconsin	24-11	5	14-6
Purdue	30-9	6	13-7
UCLA	24-12	6	13-7
Ohio State	21-13	7	12-8
Iowa	24-13	9	10-10
Indiana	18-14	10	9-11
Minnesota	15-18	11	8-12
USC	18-14	12	7-13
Washington	16-17	12	7-13
Rutgers	14-20	13	6-14
Northwestern	15-19	14	5-15
Oregon	12-20	14	5-15
Maryland	12-21	15	4-16
Penn State	12-20	16	3-17

Box score

Stat	North Carolina Tar Heels	Ohio State Buckeyes
Field goals	28-63	25-63
Field goal %	44	40
Three-pointers	8-27	4-20
Three-point %	30	20
Free throws	7-13	16-19
Free throw %	54	84
Rebounds	39	39
Offensive rebounds	12	13
Defensive rebounds	27	26
Assists	22	17
Steals	4	5
Blocks	5	3
Turnovers	7	6
Team turnovers	0	0
Technical fouls	0	0
Technical fouls, total	0	0
Flagrant fouls	1	0
Points off turnovers	7	10
Fast-break points	10	5
Points in the paint	34	38
Fouls	19	16
Largest lead	11	3
Lead changes	8	8
Time in front	80	13

How the scoring went

2nd Half37-35Christoph Tilly makes 6-foot floating jump shot
2nd Half39-35Henri Veesaar makes driving layup (Luka Bogavac assists)
2nd Half39-37Devin Royal makes 6-foot floating jump shot (John Mobley Jr. assists)
2nd Half41-37Caleb Wilson makes driving layup (Kyan Evans assists)
2nd Half42-37Caleb Wilson makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half42-38John Mobley Jr. makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half42-39John Mobley Jr. makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half44-39Caleb Wilson makes 0-foot tip in dunk
2nd Half44-41Devin Royal makes 11-foot turnaround jump shot
2nd Half47-41Seth Trimble makes 24-foot three point jumper (Henri Veesaar assists)
2nd Half49-41Caleb Wilson makes 1-foot dunk (Henri Veesaar assists)
2nd Half51-41Caleb Wilson makes layup (Derek Dixon assists)
2nd Half51-43Christoph Tilly makes layup (Bruce Thornton assists)
2nd Half51-45John Mobley Jr. makes 21-foot jumper (Christoph Tilly assists)
2nd Half54-45Henri Veesaar makes 24-foot three point jumper (Jarin Stevenson assists)
2nd Half56-45Jarin Stevenson makes 2-foot tip in layup
2nd Half56-47Bruce Thornton makes driving layup (Gabe Cupps assists)
2nd Half58-47Caleb Wilson makes 0-foot tip in layup
2nd Half58-49Bruce Thornton makes driving layup (Ivan Njegovan assists)
2nd Half59-49Caleb Wilson makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half59-51Bruce Thornton makes 13-foot pullup jump shot (John Mobley Jr. assists)
2nd Half59-53Devin Royal makes 4-foot turnaround jump shot (Bruce Thornton assists)
2nd Half62-53Seth Trimble makes 24-foot three point jumper (Henri Veesaar assists)
2nd Half62-54Bruce Thornton makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half62-55Bruce Thornton makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half62-56Christoph Tilly makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half62-57Christoph Tilly makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half64-57Caleb Wilson makes 1-foot dunk (Henri Veesaar assists)
2nd Half64-59Amare Bynum makes layup (Christoph Tilly assists)
2nd Half64-60Amare Bynum makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half64-62Christoph Tilly makes 9-foot floating jump shot (John Mobley Jr. assists)
2nd Half66-62Caleb Wilson makes 7-foot floating jump shot (Derek Dixon assists)
2nd Half66-63Christoph Tilly makes free throw 1 of 2
2nd Half66-64Christoph Tilly makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half67-64Henri Veesaar makes free throw 2 of 2
2nd Half67-66Bruce Thornton makes 10-foot pullup jump shot
2nd Half67-69John Mobley Jr. makes 26-foot three point jumper (Devin Royal assists)
2nd Half67-70John Mobley Jr. makes free throw 1 of 1
2nd Half69-70Seth Trimble makes driving layup (Henri Veesaar assists)
2nd Half71-70Henri Veesaar makes 1-foot dunk (Seth Trimble assists)

Win probability

Above the line favours Ohio State Buckeyes, below favours North Carolina Tar Heels.