Ohio State has been a difficult team to trust this season and has come up short in several key spots. They are coming off a one-point loss to West Virginia, but also lost to Illinois, barely got past Northwestern, and were beaten by Pitt - a concerning result at this level. While Bruce Thornton is a high-level scorer, he will face a tough matchup against a physical and well-structured defense.
North Carolina, on the other hand, has been extremely consistent. Their only loss this season came against Michigan State, and they own quality wins over Kentucky, Kansas, and a dominant blowout of Georgetown. The Tar Heels have proven they can perform against elite competition.
Caleb Wilson is likely to be the best player on the floor, and North Carolina’s depth gives them a significant advantage on both ends of the court. Their ability to rotate bodies, control the glass, and maintain defensive pressure should wear down an Ohio State team that relies heavily on individual offense.
With the game being played in Atlanta as part of the CBS Sports Classic, North Carolina enters as the more complete and battle-tested team.
North Carolina, on the other hand, has been extremely consistent. Their only loss this season came against Michigan State, and they own quality wins over Kentucky, Kansas, and a dominant blowout of Georgetown. The Tar Heels have proven they can perform against elite competition.
Caleb Wilson is likely to be the best player on the floor, and North Carolina’s depth gives them a significant advantage on both ends of the court. Their ability to rotate bodies, control the glass, and maintain defensive pressure should wear down an Ohio State team that relies heavily on individual offense.
With the game being played in Atlanta as part of the CBS Sports Classic, North Carolina enters as the more complete and battle-tested team.
- Pick: North Carolina -3.5
- Confidence Level: High
- Projection: Comfortable win for the Tar Heels
