At press, the North Carolina Tar Heels (12-3) are 4-2 straight up and 3-1-1 when playing on the road. When playing in the comforts of John Paul Jones Arena, the almost-undefeated (at 13-1) Virginia Cavaliers are 9-0 straight up and 6-2 ATS. This Saturday NCAAB game is going to be a solid match-up so be sure to register to bet as soon as possible and wager with your pick.
Betting Preview for the North Carolina Tar Heels vs Virginia Cavaliers College Basketball Game on January 6 2018
Where: John Paul Jones Arena
When: Saturday, January 6 2018, 1:00 PM EST
Line: North Carolina Tar Heels (n/a) vs Virginia Cavaliers (n/a) – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the North Carolina Tar Heels (12-3)
The Tar Heels suffered a deflating 81-80 loss against FSU on Wednesday, falling to 1-1 in the ACC, with a couple of glaring issues that must be addressed before Saturday’s matchup versus Virginia. For one, they need to find an offensive rhythm early on, start strong, and not depend upon a late game comeback, as much as it may amuse fans. If Joel Berry is feeling it, keep feeding him the ball. In the game against Florida State, Berry scored 28 points, went 10-23 from the floor, 4-8 from the three point line and hit all four free throws in 35 minutes of playing time. He’s the sole reason the Tar Heels got within one-point with just 30-seconds left in the game.
Lastly, North Carolina must also focus on their defensive execution from the tip, especially against the 12-1 Virginia Cavaliers.
Betting on the Virginia Cavaliers (12-1)
On Wednesday night in Cassell Coliseum, the Virginia Cavaliers boasted four players in double figures (and another with 9 points) in a 26-point win over rival Virginia Tech. That (pass pass pass) has been the key to their early success here in the 2017-18 college basketball season.
On Saturday when the No. 8-ranked Cavaliers host the defending national champion Tar Heels, their unselfish play will be put to the test. Sure, the Tar Heels are looking a bit “off” but they are sure to find their offensive mojo soon enough and it may come at the expense of Virginia.
Writer’s Prediction
While it’s tempting to take the Virginia Cavaliers in this game I’ve got a strong feeling that Joel Berry will have another season high in scoring, with the supporting cast taking his cue and putting up some solid numbers themselves. On the defensive end, the Tar Heels will step up and take advantage of the fact that the Cavaliers may be too cavalier about their penchant for passing the rock, which will result in a few more Tar Heel induced turnovers than their (Virginia) side of the scoreboard can handle. Pick: The 2017 National Champs will win and cover.
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