Conference play is in full swing, as Virginia is set to face North Carolina on Tuesday, Jan. 10. The game is scheduled for 9 pm ET while airing on ESPN. Virginia enters this game as 4.5-point favorites with the total set at 135.5. How will this one play out? Let’s dive into the Virginia vs. North Carolina prediction below.
Virginia vs. North Carolina Basketball Odds
- Spread: Virginia -4.5
- Total: 135.5
Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. New to FanDuel? Check out our FanDuel Sportsbook Review to find out how to bet $5 to win $150. The offer is good for this week only, so act now!
Game Info
- Date: Tuesday, Jan. 10
- Time: 9 pm ET
- Location: John Paul Jones Arena – Charlottesville, Virginia
- TV: ESPN
Virginia vs. North Carolina Prediction
Virginia was cruising as a top-five team in the nation, but then it lost three of its last five games. The Cavaliers fell to No. 1 Houston, No. 16 Miami, and then were upset 68-65 at Pittsburgh last Tuesday. Virginia then bounced back with a home win over Syracuse, but there are still some questions as to how good this team really is.
North Carolina made it to the National Championship last season, and it had high expectations for this campaign because of that. However, the Tar Heels dropped four straight games in late November and early December, which has curbed the excitement.
North Carolina is playing better basketball as of late, winning six of its last seven games. Star forward Armando Bacot is healthy and making a difference, but you better believe Virginia will double-team and pressure him throughout this game.
Speaking of pressure, the Tar Heels have succumbed to it in Charlottesville recently. More specifically, North Carolina has lost seven straight games at Virginia, all by five or more points. So it’s ironic that UVA stands as 4.5 point favorites, looking to cover while keeping that streak alive.
UNC is 1-5 away from home this season, and 0-2 in true road games. Look for Virginia to seize control early and use that momentum to find yet another home victory over the Tar Heels.
The Pick: Virginia -4.5 | -110 at FanDuel Sportsbook