UNC's defense held No. 18 Kentucky to just 8-23 shooting in the second half on its way to a 67-64 win in Lexington Tuesday night.

UNC basketball stayed put in the USA TODAY Sports coaches poll on Dec. 1. Here's a breakdown of the Tar Heels' ranking, including the NET.

An evaluation of the offense, defense, frontcourt, backcourt, starters and bench for the Tar Heels, who have started the year 6-1.

In today's news: the filing period continues for candidates running in the 2026 election, and UNC basketball gears up to face Kentucky.

Veesaar played a solid game down low (13 points, six rebounds), but Michigan State won the battle down low The Spartans out-scored a taller Tar Heels team, 46-34, in the paint. MSU forward Jaxon Kohler recorded a 10-point, 11-rebound double-double, while Carson Cooper scored 14 points and added six rebounds.

Before UNC basketball plays at Kentucky in the ACC/SEC Challenge, coach Hubert Davis provided an injury update on Seth Trimble's progress.