Paul Newberry, an AP Sports Writer, has written the following article.

9North Carolina Tar Heels	83
14Kentucky Wildcats	87
Final

In the final moments of the game, Kentucky appeared to dominate with their decisive plays. Despite this, North Carolina still had an opportunity to secure the win.

However, the Tar Heels turned the ball over.

Rob Dillingham totaled 17 points, with two consecutive baskets that shifted the momentum in favor of Kentucky. The 14th-ranked Wildcats ultimately secured a 87-83 win against the No. 9 Tar Heels on Saturday.

North Carolina missed an opportunity to attempt a 3-point shot to tie the game when Elliot Cadeau quickly passed the ball to Cormac Ryan’s back while he was facing the opposite direction.

RJ Davis quickly tried to retrieve the loose ball but ended up dribbling past the center line, resulting in a violation for going backcourt.

Coach Hubert Davis remarked that it was simply a turnover and refused to analyze his team’s strategy. He clarified that the intention was not to turn the ball over.

Aaron Bradshaw drew a foul and successfully made a free throw with 4.7 seconds remaining, securing the win for Kentucky (8-2). They emerged victorious in the second match of the CBS Sports Classic held at State Farm Arena. In the first game of the televised doubleheader, Ohio State defeated UCLA 67-60.

Davis and Ryan combined for 47 points to lead the Tar Heels (7-3) while the Wildcats had a more evenly distributed scoring effort, as eight players contributed at least seven points.

“The display of their abilities in the final moments of the game to secure a victory showcases the caliber of this team,” stated John Calipari, the coach of Kentucky. “This team has a lot of potential. Let’s work towards reaching it.”

After an 11-day hiatus following a 87-76 defeat against No. 5 UConn on December 5th, North Carolina was behind for the majority of the game. However, they were able to take the lead, 72-71, in the final 5:15 with two successful free throws from Armando Bacot.

However, Kentucky remained steadfast.

Bradshaw got a score from a putback, followed by Dillingham making his move. He executed a slick maneuver in the lane to evade his defender and make a finger roll lay-in. He then got another simple basket from a fast break after the Tar Heels missed.

In a similar manner, the Wildcats regained a 77-72 lead.

Kentucky held onto their 83-81 lead and executed a successful inbounds play with only 3 seconds left on the shot clock. Despite a rushed 3-pointer from the corner by Tre Mitchell, Bradshaw managed to secure the rebound while Davis fouled him, preventing the clock from running out.

With 46.3 seconds remaining, Bradshaw successfully made both free throws, securing the Wildcats’ victory with some assistance from the Tar Heels.

In the initial period, the Wildcats were ahead by 11 points, causing excitement among their supporters who traveled to the city nicknamed “Cat-lanta” due to Kentucky’s consistent success in past games played in Atlanta.

However, North Carolina gained momentum right before halftime and scored the last eight points, which included 3-pointers from Ryan and Seth Trimble. They went into the locker room with a score of 40-38.

In the first half, Ryan scored 12 points by making 5 out of 6 shots. The rest of the team only made 8 out of 25 shots in total.

Despite only making 14 of their 41 shots, the Wildcats were still in the lead at halftime.

Source: wralsportsfan.com