The North Carolina Tar Heels faced a challenging start to their season, struggling in both games. In their opener against Elon, they managed a late surge to win, but against Kansas, they fell short despite a comeback from a 20-point deficit. The absence of All-American Armando Bacot was felt, particularly in their interior defense.

Kansas showcased its depth, with key contributions from bench players like Zeke Mayo, who scored 21 points. The Jayhawks secured a thrilling 92-89 victory over the Tar Heels, with Hunter Dickinson scoring crucial points in the final moments. This win marked a milestone for coach Bill Self, tying him with Phog Allen for the most wins in Kansas history.