Previewing Saturday’s UNC-Virginia ACC basketball matchup in Chapel Hill

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The North Carolina Tar Heels need any momentum they can get to close out their current basketball season, one in which they hope to make a late push for the NCAA Tournament.

UNC (16-11, 9-6 ACC) is winners of its past two games: 88-82 at Syracuse on Saturday, February 15, then more recently a 97-73 destruction of rival NC State on Wednesday. The Orange and Wolfpack aren’t good this year, but winning games is important, regardless of who you beat.

North Carolina’s offense is clicking in recent games, getting guys like Jae’Lyn Withers to step up. The Tar Heels’ defense isn’t playing lights-out, but well enough to win games.

UNC’s next test comes in the South’s Oldest Rivalry on Saturday, Feb. 22 with the Virginia Cavaliers come to Chapel Hill for a 4 p.m. tip-off. Despite playing improved basketball as of late, UVA (13-13, 6-9) is struggling in Year One post-Tony Bennett.

I’ve watched plenty of past matchups, particularly in Charlottesville, in which the Tar Heels struggle against Virginia’s slow pace. The Cavaliers are still utilizing a half-court offense, but don’t have the talent this year to win games with that slower pace.

North Carolina owns the all-time series against UVA, but the latter is undoubtedly the rivalry winner of late. UNC snapped a long losing streak at John Paul Jones Arena in February 2024, the lone matchup last year between both rivals.

Key to victory for UNC

Feb 19, 2025; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Jae’Lyn Withers (24) celebrates after guard RJ Davis (4) hits a three point shot in the first half at Dean E. Smith Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images

North Carolina came out of the gates firing against NC State, scoring 54 first-half points en route to a 28-point advantage at halftime. The Tar Heels shot the ball extremely well, played great defense and proved they were clearly the better team.

UNC also played with a lot of energy – and fed off the increased student population in the Dean Dome crowd. North…

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Author : Tar Heels Wire

Publish date : 2025-02-21 13:30:00

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