
Kentucky and UNC Thrive; Memphis Faces Tournament Challenges
Momentum shifted dramatically in college basketball's CBS Sports Classic with standout performances from Kentucky and North Carolina, while Memphis struggles for NCAA Tournament prospects.
The CBS Sports Classic was the highlight of Saturday’s college basketball schedule, producing thrilling moments. In a hard-fought matchup, Kentucky overcame a concerning incident involving Jaland Lowe, who recovered from a shoulder injury to help his team secure a 78-66 victory over No. 22 St. John’s.
Image Credit: Andy Lyons / Getty Images
North Carolina, on the other hand, demonstrated strength with a last-second slam from Henri Veesaar, clinching a narrow 71-70 win against Ohio State. Despite the tight nature of the games, various teams faced challenges in their performances, notably Memphis, which is struggling to keep its NCAA Tournament hopes alive after a loss.
Let’s explore the winners and losers from this weekend’s action:
Winners
- Kentucky’s Key Players Emerge: With contributions from Jayden Quaintance and Jaland Lowe, the Wildcats showcased their potential under coach Mark Pope.
- UNC’s Powerful Frontcourt: Thanks to the dynamic duo of Caleb Wilson and Henri Veesaar, the Tar Heels continue to thrive.
Losers
- Memphis: After another loss, Penny Hardaway’s squad is now left with limited options to reach the NCAA Tournament.
- Dayton: The Flyers squandered a sure win, leading to disappointing momentum as they approach the A-10 play.
As the season progresses, the stakes get higher for those aiming to make the NCAA Tournament.


