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

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.

ESPN Audience Growth Season to Date

Overall, men's college basketball coverage on ESPN is posting audience increases through the same point last year. ESPN is averaging 1,241,000 viewers, 987,000 households and a 1.0 rating, marking increases of 10% (vs. 1,127,000), 8% (vs. 918,000) and 11% (vs. 0.9).