If you’re staring at your phone trying to track down the score of the carolina game today, you’ve probably realized by now that "Carolina" is a broad term. Whether you are bleeding Tar Heel blue, pulling for the Gamecocks, or waiting for the Hurricanes to take the ice, Saturday, January 17, 2026, is a massive day for sports in the Carolinas.
Honestly, it’s a bit of a chaotic schedule. We’ve got a late-night West Coast tip-off for the Heels, a gritty SEC road test for the Gamecocks, and a quick-turnaround NHL battle in Jersey.
North Carolina vs. Cal: A Late-Night ACC Showdown
The North Carolina Tar Heels are out in Berkeley today to face the California Golden Bears. If you’re looking for a final score right now, you won't find it yet—this one is a late afternoon start on the West Coast, which means it’s a prime-time slot for those of us on the Atlantic.
The Tar Heels entered this matchup with a 13-2 record, looking to wash out the bitter taste of a recent 95-90 loss to Stanford. That game was a track meet, and while UNC's offense is humming, the defense has been a bit... leaky.
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Caleb Wilson has been the absolute engine for this team, averaging nearly 20 points and 11 boards. Cal isn't a pushover this year, though. They’re also sitting at 13-2 and haven't lost at Haas Pavilion yet. Watching how Kyan Evans handles the ball pressure today will basically tell the story of the game. If UNC can't limit the turnovers that plagued them against Stanford, it’s going to be a long flight back to Chapel Hill.
South Carolina vs. Auburn: SEC Grudge Match
Over in the SEC, the South Carolina Gamecocks are currently locked in a battle with the Auburn Tigers. This is a 6:00 PM ET tip-off, so depending on when you’re reading this, the game is either in the heat of the second half or just wrapping up.
South Carolina is trying to bounce back from a rough 108-74 blowout at the hands of Arkansas. That was ugly. There's no other way to put it. Meechie Johnson did his best with a 29-point performance, but the team's interior defense was non-existent.
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Today against Auburn, the key is whether or not the Gamecocks can slow down the pace. Auburn loves to run. If South Carolina lets this turn into a high-possession game like the Arkansas disaster, they’re in trouble. They need a vintage, grinding SEC win to stay relevant in the conference standings.
Carolina Hurricanes: Can They Repeat the "9-Goal" Magic?
On the ice, the Carolina Hurricanes are facing the New Jersey Devils at the Prudential Center. This is the second half of a back-to-back, and usually, you’d expect some tired legs.
However, the Canes are coming off a game that people will be talking about for years. Just last night, they absolutely demolished the Florida Panthers 9-1. Yes, nine goals. Nikolaj Ehlers bagged a hat trick, and Brandon Bussi was a wall.
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The score of the carolina game today against the Devils will likely be much tighter. New Jersey is rested, and Carolina is playing their third game in four nights. Rod Brind'Amour is known for keeping his guys focused, but asking for another nine-goal explosion is probably a bit much. Expect a goalie battle, likely with Frederik Andersen between the pipes for Carolina.
What Happened to the Panthers?
For the NFL fans asking about the Panthers, their season actually ended last week. It was a hell of a run, though. Under Dave Canales, the Panthers won the NFC South for the first time in a decade.
They lost their playoff matchup against the Los Angeles Rams on January 10, but the vibes in Charlotte are the best they’ve been in years. Dan Morgan just confirmed they are picking up Bryce Young’s fifth-year option, which is a total no-brainer after the season he just had.
Actionable Insights for Carolina Fans
- Check the ACC Network: For the UNC vs. Cal game, make sure your subscription is active or you're at a bar with the right package, as these West Coast games can be tricky to find on local cable.
- Watch the Injury Report: Keep an eye on the Hurricanes' lineup late this afternoon. Playing two games in 24 hours often leads to last-minute scratches or goalie swaps.
- Betting Tip: If you're looking at the South Carolina vs. Auburn spread, history suggests the Gamecocks play much tighter defense following a blowout loss. The "Under" might be a smart play here.
The best way to stay updated on the score of the carolina game today is to sync your calendar with the official team apps. Sports in 2026 move fast, and with the way these Carolina teams are playing, you don't want to miss a single possession.
Keep an eye on the live box scores for the second half of the Gamecocks game, and brew some coffee if you’re planning to stay up for the Tar Heels' final whistle in California.