The nation’s top scoring defense will be on the road at Dean E. Smith Center, when the Virginia Cavaliers (16-7, 8-5 ACC) go head-to-head against the North Carolina Tar Heels (10-14, 3-10 ACC). The game can be seen on ESPN at 8 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 15, 2020.
Virginia Cavaliers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Tar Heels fell to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 74-57, while the Cavaliers barely escaped the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 50-49.
Virginia played a nearly flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.137 (below their season average of 0.190) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.6 (below their season average of 28.1). For those same stats, Notre Dame was 0.049 and 14.6, respectively. North Carolina, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (39.5 vs. 32.4). North Carolina was lifted by Cole Anthony, who had 15 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Mamadi Diakite was a key piece for Virginia with 20 points and five rebounds.
In their two contests this season, the Cavaliers have won both. Virginia won 56-47. One of Virginia’s biggest strengths was getting to the charity stripe. They had 25 free throw attempts, while North Carolina had 22.
The battle on the backboards could prove decisive, pitting strength against strength. The Tar Heels rank 21st in offensive rebounding percentage (35.1 percent), while Virginia ranks 17th in defensive rebounding percentage (77.0 percent). Additionally, the Cavaliers rank third in opponents’ effective field goal percentage (0.426), while the Tar Heels rank 337th in effective field goal percentage (0.452).
Virginia Cavaliers vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- North Carolina ranks first in rebounds per game (43.4) while Virginia ranks 165th (35.0).
- The Cavaliers rank 185th in three pointers allowed per game (22.7) while the Tar Heels rank 256th (24.9).
- North Carolina averages 6.1 steals per game, which ranks 136th in the nation. Virginia ranks 163rd in steals allowed per game (7.0).
- The Cavaliers rank fourth in assists allowed per game (8.7) while the Tar Heels rank 166th (13.3).
- Virginia ranks 12th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while North Carolina ranks 155th (4.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 60.0 points per game (5.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 58.4 points per game (8.9 above their season average).
- The Tar Heels’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 3.2, up from 0.4 for the season.
