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ACC Basketball: North Carolina vs. Virginia preview, prediction, TV schedule

By Taylor Sturm

Feb 15, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams reacts during the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 15, 2017; Raleigh, NC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams reacts during the first half against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at PNC Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Will the Virginia Cavaliers be able to get revenge for their blowout loss to the North Carolina Tar Heels just a short time ago?

TV Schedule: Monday, Feb. 27, 7:00 p.m. ET, ESPN

Arena: John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville, VA

Did any team in the country need a blowout road win more than the Virginia Cavaliers? After looking like one of the best teams in college basketball, Virginia went on an abysmal four game losing streak that ended with a blowout victory over the NC State Wolfpack.

Their ACC regular season title hopes are completely gone, but the Cavaliers could finish the season strong and find themselves with a top four seed in the 2017 NCAA Tournament. Next up for Virginia is a home match-up with the ACC leading North Carolina Tar Heels.

UNC have dominated the four opponents that they have faced since their road loss to the Duke Blue Devils and look like they should cruise to the ACC regular season crown and a No. 1 seed in the ACC tournament. A win over Virginia on the road would be massive for the Tar Heels’ hopes at securing a No. 1 seed in the 2017 NCAA Tournament, so expect UNC to come into this game extremely focused.

Last time these two teams faced off, North Carolina absolutely demolished the Cavaliers, 65-41. Virginia had no answer for Justin Jackson, who went for 20 points, but we should expect a much better game this time around. UVA shot a little over 27% from the field, and there’s no way that will happen once again at home.

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However, I think North Carolina squeaks out a win in this one. The Tar Heels look destined for a No. 1 seed in the 2017 NCAA Tournament, and, while I think Virginia will get out of their current funk, the Cavaliers just aren’t playing good basketball right now.

Prediction: North Carolina 62, Virginia 59