North Carolina vs Virginia Picks and Predictions for Saturday, January 24, 2026

By: Cameron Ross Published 01/24/2026, 03:09 AM ET
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North Carolina vs Virginia Information

The North Carolina Tar Heels will be on the road Saturday afternoon for a 12:00 PM ACC matchup in Virginia against the Virginia Cavaliers. North Carolina is ranked 22nd in the nation with 15 wins and 4 losses overall, having lost 3 of the last 5 following a 32-point home victory over Notre Dame. The Virginia Cavaliers are the #14 team in the nation with sixteen wins and two losses coming into Saturday on a long winning streak after a 4-point victory against SMU in their last outing. Stay in the news with our College Basketball Picks.

North Carolina Preview

The North Carolina Tar Heels have averaged 82.4 points per game with a shooting percentage of 40% through 19 games this season. On the defensive end, they are allowing an average of 69.5 points per game; however, they have given up an average of 92 points per game during their last three losses. Caleb Wilson is leading the Tar Heels' offense with an average of 19.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game. Following him is big man Henri Veesar, who averages 17.1 points per game. Seth Trimble ranks third on the team, contributing an average of 14 points in just over 31 minutes per game, but he has only played in three games this season. Kyan Evans adds an average of 5.7 points per game and leads the team with 3.2 assists per game.

Virginia Preview

The Virginia offense has performed well this season, averaging 84 points per game and shooting 47%. Defensively, the Cavaliers have been exceptional, holding opponents to an average of 67.1 points per game and 62.8 over their last five wins. Thijs De Ridder leads the Virginia offense, averaging 16.1 points per game. Meleek Thomas is second on the team, averaging 13.6 points per game. Chance Mallory contributes 10.1 points per game. Big man Johann Grunloh not only averages 8.6 points but also leads the team with 6.8 rebounds per game. Dallin Hall averages 5.8 points and leads the team in assists, averaging 4.4 per game.

North Carolina vs Virginia Prediction

This is a top-25 conference matchup as each team will look to control this game on Saturday. Virginia is the better team on both sides of the ball and will do the job to get the win. Despite Virginia finding the success and a win on Saturday, expect North Carolina to fight start to finish. Take the Tar Heels Saturday afternoon to get the cover, but Virginia will get the home win in conference play. Final Score Prediction, Virginia Cavaliers win, but the North Carolina Tar Heels cover 83-78

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Best Picks:

  • North Carolina Tar Heels +7.5
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