The CBS Sports Classic has become a yearly tradition for college basketball fans, pitting four of the sport’s most storied programs—Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio State, and UCLA—against each other. For Kentucky, the event has served as both a proving ground and a reminder of the challenges of facing elite competition. The Wildcats’ overall 5-5 record in the Classic reflects a mix of dominant performances and tough losses that probably should not have happened.
The CBS Sports Classic is here! Don't miss Saturday's double-header live from Madison Square Garden 🔥
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) December 20, 2024
3:00 PM ET: @UNC_Basketball vs. No. 18 @UCLAMBB
5:30 PM ET: No. 4 @KentuckyMBB vs. @OhioStateHoops pic.twitter.com/s3zLjzkOqV
Kentucky has excelled against North Carolina, boasting an impressive 4-1 record. Memorable wins include the 103-100 thriller in 2016, powered by Malik Monk’s unforgettable 47-point explosion. However, the Wildcats have struggled against Ohio State, going 0-2, with their losses coming in hard-fought games. Against UCLA, Kentucky holds a 1-2 record, including a narrow 83-75 loss in 2020 that showcased their potential but ended in disappointment.
All 47 of Malik Monk's points against UNC 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/Vyagylu4jD
— Big Blue Nation #BBN (@Big_BlueNation_) December 18, 2016
North Carolina has been the most successful team in the CBS Sports Classic, with a 6-4 overall record. Despite their struggles against Kentucky (1-4), the Tar Heels have dominated Ohio State (3-0) and UCLA (2-0). While they have struggled against the Cats, they've handled everyone else easily.
Tar Heels and Bruins on CBS?
— UNC Zone (@ZoneUnc) December 20, 2024
Instant classic.
Here’s the last matchup between the two historic programs 👏 pic.twitter.com/jOFF6G5CA2
Ohio State shares the same overall record as North Carolina (6-4), finding success against Kentucky (2-0) and UCLA (3-1). The Buckeyes, however, have faltered against North Carolina, going 0-3. Their ability to thrive against Kentucky and UCLA has highlighted their unexpected competitiveness in the Classic.
Ohio State loves playing in the CBS Sports Classic.
— Big Ten Men's Basketball (@B1GMBBall) December 16, 2023
The Buckeyes beat UCLA to win their fourth in the last five in the event. pic.twitter.com/u02Pn2lIbA
UCLA has endured the most struggles in the event, with a 3-6 combined record. While the Bruins have held their own against Kentucky (2-1), they’ve been unable to solve North Carolina (0-2) or Ohio State (1-3).
In the 2016 CBS Sports Classic, @UCLAMBB’s Aaron Holiday and Bryce Alford each scored 20 points in a win over Ohio State 🌟 pic.twitter.com/5xeFSBdaKa
— CBS Sports College Basketball 🏀 (@CBSSportsCBB) August 8, 2023
As Kentucky prepares for the 2024 edition, facing Ohio State, the Wildcats aim to improve their record and get above .500 in the event. Will the new found play style under Mark Pope help them break their 2 game losing streak in the event?