At times during the season, it looked as though Virginia’s stifling defense would power their way to a top seed in the NCAAB tournament. But things have quickly gone south for the Cavaliers, as Tony Bennett and company have dropped four of their past six. If Virginia wants to prove they belong among the elite jam-packed ACC, they will need to beat a North Carolina team they have gone just 5-12 SU against their past 17 meetings.
- The total has gone OVER in 5 of the past 6 games between Virginia and UNC.
- Virginia is 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games on the road.
- UNC is 10-1 SU in their last 11 games at home after consecutive road games.
Virginia’s inability to close out games continues to bite them. UV has held the lead at the half in five of their past six games but went on to lose four of the contests in which they were leading. The Cavaliers have posted an average scoring margin of plus-8.5 points during the first half in their past six compared to a minus-3.5 in the second. London Perrantes continues to shoulder the offensive load, as he has averaged 15.8 ppg in the past five.
After a tough loss to Duke, UNC bounced back and absolutely steamrolled NC State 97-73 in their last outing. That game also saw Justin Jackson net 14 points, which extends his streak of games with double-digit points to 27 games dating back to last year’s national championship game.
Sportsbook Odds & Computer Pick
The Virginia Cavaliers opened as 3-point underdogs in this one at most sportsbooks tracked at Odds Shark, including Sportsbook. The total was set to open a bit later (check out Sportsbook for the latest situation).
Virginia Cavaliers vs North Carolina Tar Heels Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Virginia Cavaliers will try to spoil to the party and cover the point spread on Saturday; they are 15-9 ATS against the betting line this season, while the North Carolina Tar Heels are 14-13 ATS. Virginia Cavaliers are 10-14 on betting the total; North Carolina Tar Heels are 12-15.
According to new college basketball power rankings here at Odds Shark, it's the No. 35-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels and the No. 26-rated Virginia Cavaliers in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
Scoring and defensive stats point to some betting edges in this matchup. The game features North Carolina's No. 6-ranked scoring average of 87.74 PPG, against a Virginia Cavaliers defense rated No. 1 and allowing 55.48 PPG. The North Carolina Tar Heels FG% has averaged 47.83% to date this season, less than the Virginia Cavaliers shooters have managed so far (48.65% per game).
Recent Outings Betting Recap
The Cavaliers endured a 65-55 loss at the hands of the Blue Devils on Wednesday, despite a 14-point effort from London Perrantes at John Paul Jones Arena.
The battle between the Tar Heels and Wolfpack didnt turn out to be much of a battle at all as North Carolina State was handed a 97-73 defeat on Wednesday at PNC Arena.
- Virginia is 18-7 SU in its last 25 games
- Virginia is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Virginia's last 9 games
- Virginia is 4-2 ATS in its last 6 games on the road
- North Carolina is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
- North Carolina is 10-2 SU in its last 12 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 4 of North Carolina's last 6 games
- North Carolina is 6-2 ATS in its last 8 games at home
Next Betting Matchups
Virginia home to Miami, Monday, February 20th
North Carolina at Louisville, Wednesday, February 22nd
