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North Carolina vs. Kentucky prediction and game preview, as the No. 1 Tar Heels and No. 2 Wildcats face off in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament.

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It is a battle of blue-blood programs for a shot to go to the Final Four as North Carolina faces Kentucky on Sunday in Memphis.

North Carolina built a big lead and then held on to defeat Butler 92-80 to reach the regional final. Justin Jackson and Joel Berry II had big games for the Tar Heels, combining for 50 points while Luke Maye provided a spark off the bench with 16 points of his own.

Kentucky dispatched of UCLA 86-75 behind a big game from a career game by De’Aaron Fox, who led the Wildcats with 39 points, and a total team defensive effort that shut down the combination of Lonzo Ball and Bryce Alford.

North Carolina vs. Kentucky Game Preview

Date: March 26, 2017
Venue: FedExForum, Memphis, TN
Region: South

North Carolina Wins If …

The Tar Heels play their game and frustrate the Wildcats. North Carolina has an advantage in the frontcourt, with both Berry and Jackson able to light up the scoreboard. Getting a lead against Kentucky and putting the pressure on them would be huge for the Tar Heels. Keeping Monk and Fox from going off will be of most importance.

Kentucky Wins If …

Monk and Fox are on top of their game. These two players, as shown in the win over UCLA, have the capability of putting their stamp on the Wildcats program in a short time with a trip to the Final Four. This is a talented North Carolina team, but if the Wildcats continue to play stingy defense and the freshmen duo get some help from Isaiah Briscoe and company, the Wildcats will book yet another trip to the Final Four.

North Carolina vs. Kentucky Prediction

This is exactly the type of matchup you want with a trip to the Final Four on the line as the Tar Heels and Wildcats are both loaded with talent and are both well coached. The two teams are both playing at the top of their game right now, which will make this a great battle. In the end, John Calipari’s Wildcats will get the better of Roy William’s Tar Heels and Kentucky will advance onto Glendale.

North Carolina vs. Kentucky Score Prediction: Kentucky 83, North Carolina 77

MORE: Complete NCAA Tournament Bracket, Previews, Predictions