In a highly anticipated game, the No. 17 North Carolina Tar Heels will face the No. 18 Kentucky Wildcats during the 2025 ACC/SEC Challenge. Recent performances show that North Carolina suffered a 74-58 defeat against Michigan State, while Kentucky showcased a dominant 104-54 victory over Tennessee Tech. Currently, North Carolina holds a record of 6-1, positioned joint fourth in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), whereas Kentucky stands at 5-2, securing joint sixth in the conference.

The matchup is set for 9:30 PM ET at Rupp Arena in Lexington, Kentucky. Historically, Kentucky leads the all-time series with a score of 25-18 and has triumphed in the last two meetings. SportsLine’s latest odds favor Kentucky by 6.5 points, with an over/under set at 163.5 points.

To make informed betting decisions, refer to the SportsLine Projection Model, which implements simulations based on historical match data. For exclusive insights, visit the SportsLine page detailing predictions for this game.

Betting Lines Overview

Matchup	Spread
North Carolina vs. Kentucky	Kentucky -6.5
Over/Under Total Points	163.5
Moneyline	Kentucky -267, UNC +215

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How to Approach Bets: The SportsLine model is currently predicting that the total points will exceed 163.5, as seen in their two most recent encounters, including an 87-83 victory for Kentucky in December 2023. This model also suggests high scoring from players on both sides, with Caleb Wilson projected to lead North Carolina with approximately 17.6 points, while Jaland Lowe is expected to contribute around 13.6 points for Kentucky.

For further betting advice and insights, visit SportsLine for comprehensive predictions and strategies.