North Carolina Falls Short Against Kentucky Posted Dec 16, 2023 For all of the climbing North Carolina performed to move ahead for the only time during Saturday’s game, the lead was there and gone in a matter of 16 seconds. No. 14 Kentucky held off the No. 9 Tar Heels 87-83 in the CBS Sports Classic at State Farm Arena, as these teams battled with bursts and counterpunches. UNC's R.J. Davis poured in 27 points. (Inside Carolina)