Lexington, Ky., December 3, 2025
In a closely contested game, freshman Derek Dixon’s impressive performance led No. 16 North Carolina to a 67-64 victory against No. 18 Kentucky during the ACC/SEC Challenge. With a game-winning layup in the final seconds, Dixon secured North Carolina’s first road win of the season, finishing with nine points off the bench. Henri Veesaar led the Tar Heels with 17 points, while Kentucky’s Otega Oweh scored 16. The match featured intense back-and-forth action, with multiple lead changes and ties, culminating in a narrow win for North Carolina.
Lexington, Ky.
Derek Dixon’s late-game heroics lead No. 16 North Carolina to a 67-64 victory over No. 18 Kentucky in the ACC/SEC Challenge.
In a thrilling matchup on Tuesday night, freshman Derek Dixon secured the win for the Tar Heels with a decisive layup 16 seconds before the final buzzer. Dixon, who contributed nine points off the bench, also hit a crucial three-pointer with 53 seconds remaining, marking North Carolina’s first road win of the season. The game was a back-and-forth battle, featuring 14 lead changes and nine ties, underscoring the intense competition between the two teams.
Henri Veesaar led North Carolina with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Caleb Wilson added 15 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists. Luka Bogavac also made a significant impact, contributing 12 points. The Tar Heels’ defense was particularly effective, limiting Kentucky to just one successful three-pointer out of 13 attempts and forcing a 10-minute field-goal drought in the second half. This defensive effort was pivotal in securing the win.
On the Kentucky side, Otega Oweh was the standout performer, scoring 16 points. Collin Chandler and Denzel Aberdeen also contributed, with Chandler adding 12 points and Aberdeen 10. Despite their efforts, Kentucky struggled with shooting accuracy, especially from beyond the arc, which hindered their ability to maintain a lead in the closing moments of the game.
The game was marked by its competitive nature, with neither team leading by more than six points throughout the contest. The final moments were particularly intense, with Chandler’s layup tying the game at 64, only for Dixon’s decisive plays to secure the victory for North Carolina. The win improves the Tar Heels’ season record to 7-1, while Kentucky falls to 5-3.
Looking ahead, North Carolina will host Georgetown on Sunday, aiming to build on their recent success. Kentucky, on the other hand, is set to face No. 11 Gonzaga on Friday, seeking to bounce back from this narrow defeat.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who secured the game-winning play for North Carolina against Kentucky?
Freshman Derek Dixon secured the win for the Tar Heels with a decisive layup 16 seconds before the final buzzer. Dixon, who contributed nine points off the bench, also hit a crucial three-pointer with 53 seconds remaining, marking North Carolina’s first road win of the season.
What was the final score of the North Carolina vs. Kentucky game?
The final score was 67-64 in favor of North Carolina.
How did Kentucky perform in the game against North Carolina?
On the Kentucky side, Otega Oweh was the standout performer, scoring 16 points. Collin Chandler and Denzel Aberdeen also contributed, with Chandler adding 12 points and Aberdeen 10. Despite their efforts, Kentucky struggled with shooting accuracy, especially from beyond the arc, which hindered their ability to maintain a lead in the closing moments of the game.
What is the upcoming schedule for North Carolina and Kentucky?
Looking ahead, North Carolina will host Georgetown on Sunday, aiming to build on their recent success. Kentucky, on the other hand, is set to face No. 11 Gonzaga on Friday, seeking to bounce back from this narrow defeat.
Key Features of the Game
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Final Score | North Carolina 67, Kentucky 64 |
| Game Location | Lexington, Ky. |
| Key Player for North Carolina | Derek Dixon |
| Key Player for Kentucky | Otega Oweh |
| North Carolina’s Record After Game | 7-1 |
| Kentucky’s Record After Game | 5-3 |
| Next Game for North Carolina | Hosting Georgetown on Sunday |
| Next Game for Kentucky | Facing No. 11 Gonzaga on Friday |
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