The NCAA’s top scoring defense will be on the road at Dean E. Smith Center, when the third-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (20-2, 8-2 ACC) face off with the eighth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels (19-4, 9-1 ACC). The game can be seen on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, February 11, 2019.
Virginia Cavaliers at North Carolina Tar Heels ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Tar Heels barely escaped the Miami (FL) Hurricanes, 88-85, while the Cavaliers lost to the second-ranked Duke Blue Devils, 81-71.
The Tar Heels made 13 of their 17 free throws (76.5 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 12.0 (better than their season average of 15.7). Virginia, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 45.2 (above their season average of 31.4). Coby White had a good game for North Carolina, putting up 33 points and six assists. Ty Jerome, meanwhile played a pivotal role for Virginia with 16 points.
The Cavaliers dominated this series last year, winning both contests. In the most recent contest, Virginia won 71-63. The Cavaliers’ turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Tar Heels. Virginia had a rate of 6.3, while North Carolina posted a mark of 13.7. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
This matchup pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. North Carolina currently ranks 22nd in offensive efficiency and Virginia is third in defensive efficiency.
Virginia at North Carolina Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Virginia ranks 52nd in three pointers allowed per game (20.1) while North Carolina ranks 253rd (25.5).
- The Tar Heels rank first in rebounds per game (43.0) while the Cavaliers rank 134th (35.9).
- Virginia ranks 41st in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while North Carolina ranks 171st (4.5).
- The Cavaliers rank first in assists allowed per game (8.5) while the Tar Heels rank 191st (14.3).
- North Carolina ranks 37th in steals per game (7.8) while Virginia ranks 170th (5.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Tar Heels have scored an average of 92.0 points per game (3.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 77.2 points per game (3.0 above their season average).
- The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 10.2, down from 18.6 for the season.