College Basketball: Holiday Hoops Preview

Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports

Dec. 20 – CBS Sports Classic

United Center in Chicago, IL (doubleheader begins at 1pm on CBS)

North Carolina vs Ohio State

Kentucky vs UCLA

This event doesn’t have the star power as ESPN’s Champions Classic, but it does have Kentucky, and the Wildcats are must-see TV whenever they square up with a name opponent. The role of sacrificial lamb will be played by UCLA on this particular day. The young Bruins don’t have the manpower to give the Cats a legitimate run, but they should be better competition than what John Calipari’s group will see in the SEC outside of catching Florida or Arkansas on one of their good days.

The real matchup of note takes place in the opening game. Ohio State and North Carolina have looked good as heavy favorites, but have been shaky against quality competition. Since college basketball games can’t end in ties, one of these talented young teams is going to leave Chicago having learned a vital lesson about winning big games on big stages. The Tar Heels will have a little more confidence, considering their wins over Florida and UCLA, but I’m sure Roy Williams has made it clear that these Buckeyes are a tougher opponent than those two teams who have since been exposed.

The guard play will be the storyline to watch. Shannon Scott and D’Angelo Russell quietly form one of the nation’s best backcourts, but neither of them are individually as talented as UNC’s Marcus Paige. Scott, does happen to be one of the country’s best defenders. His athleticism will be a crucial part of Ohio State’s plan to contain Paige and leave Chicago with a win.

KEY TO THE GAME: The guards will dominate the pregame chatter from the talking heads, but will Ohio State get anything inside? The Tar Heels have guaranteed production from Kennedy Meeks. The Buckeyes have Amir Williams, but no one really knows what that means.

KEY TO THE GAME: UCLA has no shot.