North Carolina vs. Texas: ESPN's Most-Viewed Early Season Men's College Basketball Game Since 2001

12.22.2009 | Men's Basketball

Dec. 22, 2009

Bristol, Conn. -- ESPN's telecast of No. 2 Texas defeating No. 10 North Carolina 103-90 Saturday, Dec. 19 averaged 2,362,000 households, based on a 2.4 rating, making it the network's most-viewed men's college basketball game in the fourth quarter (October to December) since Dec. 18, 2001 when Kentucky vs. Duke in the Jimmy V Classic averaged 2,536,000 households. With 2,949,000 total viewers, the matchup was the most-viewed fourth quarter men's college basketball telecast among total viewers (adults 2 and older) since Ohio State at North Carolina on Nov. 29, 2006 (3,024,000 viewers).

In addition, the telecast is the highest-rated and most-viewed men's college basketball telecast this season across all networks, cable and broadcast.