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Kansas (1-0) vs North Carolina (1-0)
- When: Nov 7 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Dean E. Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Where to watch: ESPN
(19) Kansas vs (25) North Carolina Preview & Prediction
Spread: North Carolina -1.5
Moneyline: North Carolina (-127)
Total: 156.5
Kansas Jayhawks: Early Reality Check in Chapel Hill
The Kansas Jayhawks rarely enter November as slight underdogs, but that’s the hand they’ve been dealt in this high-stakes clash. After crushing Green Bay 94-51 in their opener, Bill Self’s group gets an early test that’ll reveal whether their hype is real or premature.
Freshman guard Darryn Peterson wasted no time making an impression, lighting up the scoreboard for 21 points in just 22 minutes before cramps sidelined him. Meanwhile, returning forward Flory Bidunga looked every bit the anchor inside, posting 23 points on 9-of-11 shooting and swatting three shots for good measure.
Kansas shot nearly 57% from the field in their opener and clamped down defensively, holding Green Bay to 28%. They’ll need that same defensive focus in Chapel Hill, because the Tar Heels won’t fold like the Phoenix did.
North Carolina Tar Heels: A Fresh Start with Flash and Firepower
The Tar Heels started their season with a laugher, routing Central Arkansas 94-54, but head coach Hubert Davis knows Friday will be different. Freshman forward Caleb Wilson put the country on notice in his debut, dropping 22 points on 8-of-10 shooting with seven dunks that had the Dean Dome crowd howling.
Transfer big man Henri Veesaar joined the fun with 14 points and 10 boards, while the Heels’ balanced offense saw five players hit double figures. Davis wants this year’s group to be tougher, more consistent, and dominant on both ends. If that happens, UNC could once again be a top contender in March.
Still, this is a young team that hasn’t been pushed yet and Kansas has the kind of physical, disciplined style that can expose that inexperience.
Expert Betting Prediction
Expect both teams to trade haymakers early, with big plays from the freshman phenoms keeping things tight. Kansas’ interior strength will make this one a grind, but North Carolina’s athleticism and home-court energy pull them through late.
Final Score: North Carolina 81, Kansas 78
Lean: North Carolina -1.0
Total: Over 157.5
- NCAAB Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
