Virginia Travels to Chapel Hill to Take on North Carolina in Matchup of ACC Elite
Will Cash
Posted On February 10
No.3 Virginia(20-2)(8-2 Conf.) is coming of their first home loss of the season, losing 81-71 to Duke. While No.8 North Carolina(19-4)(9-1 Conf.) barely escaped a mediocre Miami team beating them 88-85 in OT.
How Virginia Can Win:
Virginia is not the greatest team offensively but they have a lot of good individual scorers. Kyle Guy, Ty Jerome, and De’Andre Hunter all average at least 13 points a game and are going up against one of the worse defensive teams in the nation. UNC has allowed 74 points a game this season which means those UVA offensive weapons should be able to take advantage of that.
How North Carolina Can Win:
North Carolina has a very good offense averaging 88 points a game but the teams scoring ability will be put to the test. As UVA has only allowed 54 points a game this season which ranks first in the nation. So basically if UNC is gonna win this game,they are simply gonna have to find ways to put the ball in the basket.
Players to Watch:
If Virginia wants to go on the road and beat North Carolina they are going to need better production out of De’Andre Hunter. Hunter struggled against Duke tallying 11 points, four rebounds, and one assist while shooting only 25% from three. Hunter averages 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists while shooting 52% from the field.
One bright spot for North Carolina after barely escaping Miami. Coby White had a great performance. The Freshman had 33 points, two steals, three rebounds, six assists and one block while shooting 69% from the field. White averages 15 points, three rebounds, and four assists while 44% from the field.
Score Prediction:
I think Virginia will respond well after their loss to Duke. As the Cavaliers will hold a very good scoring North Carolina team to low offensive numbers and have their way against a week Tar Heel defense. North Carolina will be overwhelmed as UVA wins by at least 10 on the road. Cavaliers: 65 Tar Heels: 53
Image via: Washington Post
