North Carolina 74, Stanford 57

Last year's joke of the ACC has become one of this young season's best stories. After upsetting No. 2 Kansas on Nov. 27, the Tar Heels continued their determination to prove themselves as a worthy opponent by winning the Preseason NIT championship Nov. 29 against Stanford (4-1).

The win improves North Carolina's record to 5-0, which leaves them only three wins shy of their total last season. The Tar Heels, who start three freshmen and two sophomores, used their speed and quickness to break down Stanford's zone defense. They were led by their three highly touted freshmen Rashad McCants (18 points), Raymond Felton (16 points, 7 assists) and Sean May (12 points, 7 rebounds). The Tar Heels are hoping to gain some respect after their tough play thus far this season.

Duke 84, UCLA 73

The 4th-ranked Blue Devils beat the 14th-ranked Bruins handily Nov. 30 to win the Wooden Tradition. The win improves Duke's record to 3-0 and drops UCLA to 0-2. This is the first time in 41 years that the Bruins have started their season with two consecutive losses. The last time was in 1961 under the legendary John Wooden, to whom the tournament was dedicated.

Leading the way for the Blue Devils was freshman J.J. Redick with 20 points on 7-for-13 shooting. They used a 22-6 run midway through the second half, highlighted by eight points from Redick, to open a commanding 21-point lead, which they refused to relinquish. Also playing well for the Blue Devils were Chris Duhon (14 points, eight assists) and Nick Horvath (16 points).

Georgia Tech 83, Georgia 77

Georgia Tech sophomore guard B.J. Elder lead the Yellow Jackets over their in-state rivals with 24 points despite experiencing leg cramps throughout the game. Despite having a 14-point lead late in the first half, the Bulldogs were unable to contain Elder, who hit four key three pointers to lead the comeback.

Also playing well for the Yellow Jackets was Chris Bosh, who had a double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds. The loss dropped No. 18 Georgia to 1-2. The Bulldogs already lost to No. 3 Texas and then three days later to Minnesota making them 1-3. The win improved Georgia Tech to 2-0 and showed signs for a good season to come.

No. 11 Maryland 74, No. 20 Indiana 80

In a rematch of last season's National Championship game the Hoosiers had redemption on their minds. After Maryland wasted two chances to seal the game, Indiana tied the game with a free throw with seven seconds left then missed the go-ahead attempt, sending the game into overtime.

Indiana played a strong five minutes of overtime and defeated Maryland 80-74. Hoosier senior Tom Coverdale matched a career-high 30-point performance, shooting 5-for-10 behind the arc.

Maryland's Senior Stever Blake had a strong showing with 22 points and seven rebounds. Senior Ryan Randle had 20 points and 16 rebounds in the Terrapins loss.

Duke 91, Ohio State 76

J.J. Redick led Duke in scoring with 20 points all in the second half. The freshman shot 4-for-9 behind the arc. Sophomore Daniel Ewing had 18 points in the Blue Devil victory.

Senior Brent Darby led Ohio State with a career high 35 points in the loss.

North Carolina 65, Illinois 92

On Dec. 3, in Champagne, Ill., the Illini beat up on the Tar Heels 92-65 in one game of the ACC/Big Ten Challenge. The preseason NIT champion Tar Heels looked impressive at times, but the Illini was too much ending the game on a 28-8 run. The Tar Heels freshman tried to keep it close, but it was the seniors of Illinois who stole the spotlight.

They were lead by Brian Cook on the inside and Sean Harrington on the outside. Cook poured in 22 points and 8 rebounds and Harrington had a career-high 20 points.

It seemed as if the Tar Heels could not stop the 6-foot-ten-inch Cook, who was 8 for 12 from the field. Even when he was covered, the Illini could depend on Harrington, who made 7 of 9 field goals. The win improves Illinois to 4-0 and the loss drops UNC to 5-1. The Tar Heels need to shake off this loss and get ready for another tough game versus Kentucky on Dec. 7.

Upcoming

No. 16 Kentucky vs. North Carolina

The Wildcats (2-1) have beaten up the Tar Heels (5-0) in each of the previous two seasons, but don't think Coach Matt Doherty will have his kids unprepared for this game on Dec. 7.

The Tar Heels are coming off their emotional Preseason NIT Championship victory and their first loss of the year at the hands of Illinois. Unfortunately, for the Wildcats, they will be playing with a depleted backcourt.

They are without junior guards Cliff Hawkins, who is academically ineligible and Antwain Barbour, who is out five weeks after breaking his left hand in practice. Barbour's athleticism will be greatly missed, especially against the Tar Heels' young, quick guards.

Even with the injuries, this should still be a great early season match up highlighted by the play of Kentucky's Keith Bogans and North Carolina's three fantastic freshmen.

Prediction: North Carolina will utilize their quickness to win.