The fifth-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (7-1, 1-0 ACC), the NCAA’s top scoring defense, will meet the seventh-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels (6-2, 1-0 ACC) at John Paul Jones Arena. The game will air on ACC Network at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 7, 2019.
North Carolina Tar Heels at Virginia Cavaliers ATS Odds
Both teams were blown out in their last game. The Cavaliers fell to the Purdue Boilermakers, 69-40, while the Tar Heels were defeated by the sixth-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, 74-49.
North Carolina forced Ohio State into a turnover percentage of 19.3 (above their season average of 15.5) while Virginia had a better effective field goal percentage (0.419 vs. 0.575). Jay Huff had a good game for Virginia, recording 11 points. Cole Anthony, meanwhile fueled North Carolina with 15 points.
The Cavaliers won the only game between these two teams last season, 69-61. Virginia had a much better free throw rate (0.222 vs. 0.092). North Carolina, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.0 vs. 12.0).
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as two of the country’s top offenses battle. Dating back to last season, Virginia ranks 28th with 112.6 points per 100 possessions and North Carolina is 38th (111.5). It will also be a battle of conflicting paces as the up-tempo Tar Heels rank 18th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Cavaliers rank 349th.
North Carolina at Virginia Betting Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Virginia ranks third in assists allowed per game (8.6) while North Carolina ranks 225th (13.9).
- The Cavaliers rank 24th in steals allowed per game (5.1) while the Tar Heels rank 190th (6.8).
- Virginia averages 21.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 204th in the country. North Carolina ranks 314th in three pointers allowed per game (27.5).
- The Cavaliers rank 32nd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while the Tar Heels rank 230th (4.4).
- North Carolina ranks first in rebounds per game (44.6) while Virginia ranks 191st (35.1).