North Carolina vs. Virginia: Game preview, prediction, TV Schedule

After a disappointing road loss to the Florida State Seminoles, the North Carolina Tar Heels will hope to get a key road victory over the Virginia Cavaliers.

TV Schedule: Saturday, Jan. 6, 1:00 p.m. ET, ESPN

Arena: John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville, Virginia

The North Carolina Tar Heels did not already expect to have a loss in conference play heading into their road matchup with the Virginia Cavaliers, but the Florida State Seminoles have surprised everyone by being one of the most underrated teams in college basketball.

A one-point road loss (81-10) in the ACC is nothing to feel too bad about, however, and this team should move forward with high confidence that they can bounce back.

Looking to keep UNC from bouncing back will be a Cavaliers’ squad that has won both of their games to open ACC play and currently find themselves within the top 10. Their defense is always strong, but Virginia, who many expected to be slightly down this season, has found the right formula to succeed on offense with Kyle Guy, Ty Jerome, and Devon Hall leading the show.

Unfortunately, an angry North Carolina squad is one that no team wants to face, even at home, and the Tar Heels will feel like they should have been able to beat Florida State. I expect this game to be extremely close and, quite honestly, it could go either way and I would not be surprised.

Next: Where do these teams rank in current bracketology?

However, Virginia, being at home, and North Carolina’s affinity for disappearing for stretches in the game leads be to believe that the Cavaliers will come out on top. But, don’t worry, both of these teams should make it deep into March – and maybe further.

Prediction: Virginia 65, North Carolina 61