North Carolina

Behind enemy lines: Kentucky basketball vs North Carolina

Published

1 month ago

November 30, 2025

Behind enemy lines: Kentucky basketball vs North Carolina

Mark Pope and the Kentucky Wildcats have not enjoyed a fairytale start to their season, but Tuesday evening’s matchup against North Carolina presents an opportunity to redirect their trajectory. Currently sitting at 6-2, this game could provide crucial insights into where Kentucky stands in the broader landscape of college basketball.

The Wildcats faced a setback against Michigan State, suffering an 83-66 defeat that raised questions about their ability to compete with top-tier teams. However, they rebounded impressively with a decisive 88-46 victory over Loyola Maryland, followed by a dominant performance against Tennessee Tech, winning 104-54 just days ago.

Despite their storied history of finding ways to win, the challenge remains: can Kentucky consistently triumph over elite opponents? Losses to Louisville on the road and Michigan State exposed vulnerabilities in their defense and tempo control. In both games, Kentucky struggled with interior defense and depth issues.

Looking ahead, there is still plenty of basketball left in the season, including Tuesday’s late-night showdown at Rupp Arena—a clash between two blue blood programs from the ACC and SEC. Historically, North Carolina leads the series against Kentucky 25-18. This year’s Tar Heels roster features some of the most lethal players in college basketball. If Kentucky allows North Carolina to dictate the pace of play, they risk facing another long night and missing out on a significant opportunity.

For Kentucky to succeed, controlling tempo will be paramount as they confront this talented Tar Heels squad. Mark Pope’s team must focus on containing North Carolina’s “Big Three”: freshman forward Caleb Wilson (averaging 19.9 points per game), junior center Henri Veesaar (15.9 PPG), and freshman guard Luka Bogavac (a key scorer adept at navigating ball screens). Collectively, these three players contribute significantly to UNC’s offensive output.

Limiting Wilson, Veesaar, and Bogavac is essential if Kentucky hopes to avoid another loss. Should they fail to do so, North Carolina will likely capitalize on second-chance scoring opportunities.

The Tar Heels currently shoot 46.8% from the field but struggle from beyond the arc at just 31.8%. This presents a potential opening for Kentucky; if they can restrict UNC’s effectiveness inside the three-point line, they may have a chance to stifle one of their primary sources of offense.

However, North Carolina boasts depth with multiple capable shooters. The Wildcats must prioritize protecting the paint and preventing any easy scoring chances—an area where they faltered against larger opponents like Louisville and Michigan State.

Another vulnerability for UNC lies in turnovers; they average 11.6 per game—a statistic that could allow Kentucky to seize control of the game’s direction if exploited effectively. Despite recent struggles, Kentucky possesses athleticism on the perimeter that could be advantageous in setting an early tempo against UNC.

Tuesday presents a significant opportunity for the Wildcats to demonstrate their ability to compete against formidable opponents like the University of North Carolina. A victory in this matchup could alter the trajectory of Mark Pope’s team. Despite some recent missteps, analytics platforms such as KenPom project a favorable outcome for Kentucky, predicting a score of 84-75 over UNC.

The Tar Heels will undoubtedly present numerous challenges, and Coach Pope will need to carefully assess his roster based on player availability leading up to the game. Nevertheless, Kentucky has the potential to redefine its season. It is important to remember that it is still early in the basketball calendar; any sense of urgency to push the PANIC button just yet on this team’s performance may be premature.

Tip-off is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET at Rupp Arena.

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North Carolina

How to watch Penn State Nittany Lions: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Dec. 29

Published

6 days ago

December 29, 2025

Press Room

How to watch Penn State Nittany Lions: Live stream info, TV channel, game time | Dec. 29

The North Carolina Central Eagles (4-10) and Freddie Filione V’s Penn State Nittany Lions (8-4) hit the court at Bryce Jordan Center on Monday, Dec. 29, beginning at 1 p.m. ET.

We provide more details below, and that includes how to watch this game on TV.

Here is what you need to prepare for Monday’s college basketball action.

Penn State vs. North Carolina Central: How to watch on TV or live stream

Game day: Monday, December 29, 2025
Game time: 1 p.m. ET
Location: University Park, Pennsylvania
Arena: Bryce Jordan Center
TV Channel: BTN
Live stream: Fubo – Watch NOW (Regional restrictions may apply)

Check out: USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Penn State vs. North Carolina Central stats and trends

Penn State is averaging 78.2 points per game (173rd-ranked in college basketball) this season, while surrendering 74.9 points per contest (222nd-ranked).
The Nittany Lions have struggled to accumulate rebounds this season, ranking 20th-worst in college basketball with 28.6 boards per game. They rank 109th by allowing 29.4 rebounds per contest.
Penn State ranks 249th in college basketball with 13.5 dimes per contest.
The Nittany Lions rank 10th-best in college basketball by averaging only 9 turnovers per game. In terms of forced turnovers, they rank 159th in college basketball (12.3 per contest).
This year, Penn State is draining 6.8 threes per game (276th-ranked in college basketball) and is shooting 34% (181st-ranked) from three-point land.
The Nittany Lions rank 324th in college basketball by allowing 9.4 three-pointers per game, but they are allowing a 37.8% shooting percentage from beyond the arc, which ranks ninth-worst in college basketball.
Penn State is attempting 38.7 two-pointers per game this year, which account for 65.8% of the shots it has attempted (and 75.9% of the team’s baskets). Meanwhile, it is attempting 20.1 three-pointers per contest, which are 34.2% of its shots (and 24.1% of the team’s buckets).

Penn State vs. North Carolina Central Odds and Spread

Spread Favorite: Nittany Lions (-22.5)
Moneyline: Penn State (-12500), North Carolina Central (+2600)
Total: 149.5 points

NCAA Basketball odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook. Odds updated Monday at 2:23 a.m. ET. For a full list of sports betting odds, access USA TODAY Sports Betting Scores Odds Hub.

Watch college basketball on Fubo!

Follow the latest college sports coverage at College Sports Wire.

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North Carolina

How North Carolina’s Offense Looked in December

Published

6 days ago

December 28, 2025

Press Room

How North Carolina’s Offense Looked in December

While the North Carolina Tar Heels’ defense has been the most consistent feature of the team, the offensive operation has been up and down throughout the course of the season.

Those struggles extended into December, but with Seth Trimble returning to the lineup, there have been glimpses of what the offense can be when at full strength. The veteran guard had missed nine consecutive games, dating back to early November. Trimble had not played since Nov. 7 against the Kansas Jayhawks.

Let’s take a closer look at how North Carolina’s offense performed in the month of December.

Assessing the Tar Heels Offense in December

Dec 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) drives during the second half against the East Carolina Pirates at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

Through the first six games of this month, North Carolina is averaging 79.1 points per game, which is inflated by a 99-point outing against East Carolina this past Monday. The scoring output has not been the issue for Tar Heels. The problem has been the team’s slow starts, specifically when Trimble was not in the lineup.

Dean Smith Center | Grant Chachere, North Carolina Tar Heels On SI

While speaking with the media earlier this month, head coach Hubert Davis discussed North Carolina’s sluggish starts and how it was becoming problematic.

“I don’t want them to take time because every team is different,” Davis said. “When you go into conference play, everybody has a way that they play on both ends of the floor. I don’t want to get off to slow starts. I felt like we did. It wasn’t just defensively. I didn’t feel like we were sharp on the offensive end. I think the first 12 shots that we took, seven of them were from three.”

Dec 22, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis talks with guard Kyan Evans (0) during the first half against the East Carolina Pirates at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

“I thought on both ends of the floor it took us a little while to get into the rhythm, and once we did, which it started with us defensively, I felt like it translated on the offensive end as well,” Davis said.

“No, I don’t. I wouldn’t necessarily say that we’ve consistently gotten off to slow starts,” Davis said. “I would say that at times we haven’t been consistent at the beginning, where we’ve gotten off to a fast start and then we had a four- or six-minute lull on both ends of the floor. We allow a team to come back. We’re in a situation where maybe we could extend the lead.”

Dec 16, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis looks on during the second half against the ETSU Buccaneers at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

It is difficult to say that North Carolina has completely figured it out in Trimble’s first two games back in the fold, as the Tar Heels were lackluster in the first half against Ohio State, but were firing on all cylinders against East Carolina. It is somewhere in the middle, but conference play will reveal exactly where this offense stands. Overall, the offensive performance was a mixed bag in December.

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Wendell woman shares experience at an immigration detention center after being released

Published

7 days ago

December 28, 2025

Press Room

Wendell woman shares experience at an immigration detention center after being released

WENDELL, N.C. (WTVD) — A Wendell woman, detained by Border Patrol for more than a month, is sharing her experience at an immigration detention center after being released earlier this week.

Fatima Velazquez-Antonio was detained by Border Patrol agents on Nov. 18 while at an HVAC job site in Raleigh. For the last month, she stayed at a detention center in Georgia.

After having bond denied, she was finally released on Monday, and returned home to North Carolina on Tuesday. Her attorney had to file a habeas corpus petition, asking a judge to determine whether her detainment was legal.

“I’m so happy to be back home with my family,” said Velazquez.

It felt like an eternity.

– Fatima Velazquez-Antonio, on her month in immigration detention

Her boyfriend, Bryan Sanchez, said her return home was the greatest Christmas gift they could have asked for.

“I mean, it’s amazing that we got her back home,” he said.

Fatima Velazquez-Antonio came to the U.S. from Honduras as an unaccompanied minor at 14.

Velazquez came to the U.S. from Honduras as an unaccompanied minor at 14.

According to federal documents, Velazquez has no aggravated felony convictions, and the government identified her detainment as involving a non-criminal individual.

As previously reported, Velazquez’s attorney said Velazquez has no criminal record, and said she was allowed to stay in the country as her asylum case processed.

ABC11 asked Velazquez whether she received any explanation as to why she was detained.

“No, no one gave me any explanation,” she said.

For the last month, Velazquez said she spent 24 hours a day in a room with 60 other women.

“When you go to the bathroom, you have no privacy. It’s the same thing when you have to bathe. Everyone can see you,” she said. “It’s hard.”

Velazquez said her faith kept her strong.

“I prayed to God every day. Every day after I woke up and before I went to bed,” she said. “I asked him to help me, give me patience, and give me the strength to get through my ordeal. But it felt like an eternity.”

She said seeing the support from people in Wake County also helped her get through her time at the detention center, including a rally held by neighbors and elected leaders calling for her release.

“All the community and the governor, the congresswoman. I mean, all of that support helped a lot,” said Sanchez. “We appreciate that a lot, with all my heart.”

Velazquez said she hopes that one day she can personally thank everyone who has shared her story and called for her release.

“I know many of them didn’t know me, but I have to thank them from the bottom of my heart for their support,” she said. “Just, thank you so much. One day, I’d like to see them and thank them in person.”

Velazquez and her family are raising money to cover her legal expenses.

Sanchez is saving up money again to eventually buy her an engagement ring. The money he was saving for the ring had to be spent to retain an attorney for her.

Velazquez has a hearing next week for her case.

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