🏀 Game Details
Matchup: North Carolina Tar Heels vs. USC Upstate Spartans (NCAA Men’s Basketball)
Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
Tip-off Time: 11:00 AM ET (≈ 8:00 AM PT) ESPN.com
Location: Dean E. Smith Center (Smith Center), Chapel Hill, NC Chapelboro.com
Series Info: This is the first scheduled meeting between UNC and USC Upstate in men’s basketball. Chapelboro.com
📺 How to Watch (TV & Streaming)
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TV: The game is scheduled to air on The CW Network in the U.S. ESPN.com
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Streaming / Cord-Cutting Options:
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The CW App / CW Website — CW often streams games live if you don’t have cable (free with ads, location restrictions may apply).
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Over-the-Air Antenna: If you’re within broadcast range, an antenna can pick up The CW over the air for free.
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Network Apps / Streaming Platforms: Some live TV streaming services that carry The CW include Fubo, YouTube TV, and Hulu + Live TV (availability varies by plan and region).
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💡 Tip for Cord-Cutters: Before the game, check if The CW stream is available in your area via the CW app or local broadcast — that’s usually the easiest free way to watch without cable.
📍 Additional Notes
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UNC enters this matchup as one of the stronger non-conference teams on its 2025-26 schedule. tarheeltimes.com
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USC Upstate will be on the road for this game as part of its Big South schedule.
Additional Background & Off-Court Notes
UNC Men’s Basketball vs. USC Upstate – December 13, 2025
🏀 1) Team Context & Recent Form
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North Carolina enters the matchup in strong form, holding an 8–1 record before the game. The Tar Heels are coming off a convincing 81–61 win over Georgetown, where two key players recorded double-doubles, highlighting UNC’s dominance on the glass and inside presence.
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This game is widely viewed as an opportunity for head coach Hubert Davis to rotate the lineup, giving bench players and younger talent meaningful minutes ahead of the tougher ACC conference schedule.
📊 2) About USC Upstate — A Closer Look
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USC Upstate has posted a roughly 6–5 record this season. They’ve shown flashes of competitiveness, including a notable win over Fresno State, but consistency has been an issue.
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The Spartans rely heavily on a core scoring group, led by Mason Bendinger, Karmani Gregory, and Carmelo Adkins. Adkins, in particular, is considered a dangerous perimeter shooter with a solid three-point percentage.
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However, USC Upstate is at a clear size and strength disadvantage in the paint, which could be decisive against UNC’s physical frontcourt.
🔍 3) Key Storylines to Watch
🔹 USC Upstate’s Defense
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The Spartans rank well nationally in blocked shots, especially within the Big South Conference. Still, that statistic is somewhat influenced by a lighter non-conference schedule.
🔹 UNC Treating This as a “Live Practice”
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UNC is expected to use this game to test defensive schemes, ball movement, and lineup combinations rather than relying solely on starters — a common strategy ahead of conference play.
📡 4) Following the Game Beyond TV
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Local radio coverage will be available on 97.9 FM and 1360 AM (Chapel Hill), including pregame and live play-by-play.
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Fans outside the local area can listen via TuneIn or The Varsity Network app, which often carry UNC radio broadcasts nationwide.
🏆 5) Betting & Prediction Angle
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Most analysts and betting previews view North Carolina as a heavy favorite, with expectations of a comfortable win margin. Odds may fluctuate slightly depending on lineup announcements and late injury news.
