Virginia Cavaliers vs
North Carolina Tar HeelsPredictions & Preview

North Carolina Tar Heels Favored to Beat Virginia Cavaliers in ACC Showdown on Saturday

The Virginia Cavaliers will face off against the North Carolina Tar Heels in a conference battle on Saturday afternoon in Chapel Hill. Last season, the Tar Heels came out on top in this matchup by 10 points on the road. Virginia is looking to bounce back from a recent loss to #3 Duke, while UNC is coming off a big win over NC State. The Tar Heels are favored to win by 9.5 points according to the opening line. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:00 EST and will be broadcast on ESPN2. Stay tuned for our Virginia vs. North Carolina prediction.

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Cavaliers +340 | Tar Heels -450
• Spread: Cavaliers +9.5 (-110) | Tar Heels -9.5 (-110)
• Total: Over/Under 142.5 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that North Carolina will win straight-up is 82%.

Virginia vs North Carolina Stats

Virginia Cavaliers

The Virginia Cavaliers are making a late season push for the NCAA Tournament, winning three of their last four games including victories over Pitt, Georgia Tech, and Virginia Tech. While their recent loss to Duke was expected, they have shown competitiveness against top teams. Standout players include Andrew Rohde, Isaac McKneely, and Elijah Saunders. Despite their recent success, Virginia is ranked 102nd overall and is not projected to make the NCAA Tournament. Offensively, they excel in three-point shooting but struggle in rebounding. Defensively, they are solid in limiting field goals but struggle with free throw defense. Overall, the Cavaliers are looking to finish strong in the ACC.

North Carolina Tar Heels Analysis

The North Carolina Tar Heels currently find themselves on the bubble as we approach the end of February, listed as one of the "First Four Out" in Bracketology. They are in need of wins to improve their chances of making the NCAA Tournament, with a crucial rematch against Duke on the horizon. RJ Davis has been a standout player for the team, leading in scoring with 17.5 PPG and showing improvement in recent games. Ian Jackson, a promising freshman guard, has also been a key contributor with 13.6 PPG. The Tar Heels have a fast-paced offensive style, ranking 39th in offensive efficiency and 64th in defensive efficiency according to KenPom. They will need to finish the season strong to secure a spot in the tournament.

North Carolina's Speed and Perimeter Players Key to Victory Against Virginia in NCAA Tournament Bid

North Carolina remains a contender for an NCAA Tournament at-large bid, though a loss to Virginia at home would be detrimental to their chances. The Tar Heels are expected to dominate the pace of the game with their superior speed, especially against a Virginia team that struggles to keep up. North Carolina's top scorers are all perimeter players who excel at playing at a fast tempo, ranking 25th in the nation. While Virginia has some perimeter scorers in McKneely and Rodhe, they lack the athleticism needed to effectively defend against North Carolina's skillful players. Despite Virginia's preference for a slower pace, they will struggle to control the game against North Carolina's talented perimeter players. With UNC ranking 39th in offensive efficiency and facing the 128th ranked defense, they are poised for success in this matchup. Expect North Carolina to cover the spread and continue their journey towards the NCAA Tournament.

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