Two college basketball's most winningest programs will face off in what is sure to be a memorable matchup. The No. 18 Carolina Tar Heels have won the last four meetings against the Kentucky Wildcats. The No. 11 SEC East team has yet to beat a ranked team this season and will surely be tested on the road Saturday.
North Carolina plays their best games against ranked opponents. So far this season, they have defeated ranked Louisville and ranked Michigan State on the road. Having an opponent at home will be a welcomed presence. Both of those teams were unbeaten at the time. The Tar Heels look to play upset once again against the Wildcats.
On the other side, Kentucky is 0-2 this season against ranked opponents. They lost to Michigan State and Baylor. John Calipari is confident in his young squad and their ability to get up for the big game. Kentucky will get a break as both PJ Hairston and Leslie McDonald are expected to be out in this game. Their season eligibility is being reviewed by the NCAA, leaving younger players to carry load around the perimeter.
The Tar Heels squad runs deep with talent. Against UNC Greensboro, five players hit double digits in points. Brice Johnson and James Michael McAdoo are an excellent frontcourt presence that could give Kentucky freshman Julius Randle some issues.
Head coach Roy Williams is very familiar with the Kentucky squad. He recruited many of the players over the last few years and is well versed in their skills and weaknesses. He notes the Wildcats have a young team that could be poised for stardom down the road, just maybe not on Saturday.