The Virginia Tech Hokies would immediately garner respect in college basketball if they are able to topple North Carolina on Thursday, but bettors should already be paying plenty of attention to the Hokies. Virginia Tech, which will close as an underdog against UNC, is 10-2 ATS in its past 12 games as the dog.
Virginia Tech has limped through ACC play so far with a 4-3 record, the last two wins coming by just one point. The Hokies’ explosive offense has slowed down without their defense picking up any of the slack, as VT is allowing 80.4 ppg during conference play. The bright spot has been Seth Allen, as the senior has scored 16.7 ppg while shooting 62 percent from the floor in the past three outings.
Since losing their conference Sportsbook game to Georgia Tech, UNC has been unbeatable with the team rattling off six straight wins (4-2 ATS) while averaging 93.3 ppg. Justin Jackson has stepped up for the Tar Heels this season, as the junior is averaging 18.2 ppg, which is six points more than last year. Jackson has notched at least 19 points in each of the past five games while shooting 48.5 percent from deep.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
Sportsbooks (including Sportsbook) had the North Carolina Tar Heels betting line as -15-point favorites in this particular matchup earlier in the day. Also, watch for the Sportsbook over/under total value at Sportsbook.
Virginia Tech Hokies vs North Carolina Tar Heels Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
North Carolina Tar Heels battles the Virginia Tech Hokies, currently sitting with a 15-4 mark (8-7 ATS). The OVER/UNDER records, always important for totals betting, are 10-11 for the North Carolina Tar Heels and 8-7 for the Virginia Tech Hokies.
The power rankings show a disparity between these teams, with the North Carolina Tar Heels rated this week at No. 3 and the Virginia Tech Hokies sitting at No. 106.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to rebounds, the visiting Virginia Tech Hokies rank No. 183 in NCAA Basketball Division 1 with 35.42 per game. That compares with North Carolina’s No. 1 ranking in that category. The story is different when it comes to three-point shooting where North Carolina is college basketball's No. 146-ranked team at 7.29 per game, while the Virginia Tech Hokies rate No. 70 with 8.42 per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Hokies grabbed a 82-81 win over the Tigers on Sunday, behind a 17-point effort from Seth Allen at Littlejohn Coliseum.
Justin Jackson scored 22 points leading the Tar Heels to a 90-82 victory over Boston College at Conte Forum on Saturday.
Next Betting Matchups
Virginia Tech home to Boston College, Sunday, January 29th
North Carolina at Miami, Saturday, January 28th