North Carolina vs Virginia Prediction 1/24/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

In this article we will formulate a North Carolina vs Virginia prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, January 24th at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Preview

The North Carolina Tar Heels are 15-4 (3-3) this season after they defeated Notre Dame by a score of 91-69 in their last game. North Carolina led 42-33 at halftime and they added 49 points in the second half in the blowout win. The Tar Heels shot 51% from the field, 38% on three pointers, and 70% on free throws in the game. Caleb Wilson led UNC with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Henri Veesaar added 15 points and 12 rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, North Carolina lost to California by a score of 84-78 and Stanford by a score of 95-90. The Tar Heels have scored 82.4 points per game with 40.7 rebounds and 17.1 assists per game, while they have allowed 69.5 points against per game this season. Caleb Wilson is averaging 19.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game, while Henri Veesaar is averaging 17.1 points and 9.2 rebounds per game for the Tar Heels. North Carolina is shooting 48.2% from the field, 67.5% on free throws, and 34.1% on three pointers this season. 

Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview

The Virginia Cavaliers are 16-2 (5-1) this year after they defeated SMU by a score of 72-68 in their last game. Virginia led 40-37 at halftime and they held SMU to just 31 points in the second half in the win. The Cavaliers shot 42% from the field, 39% on three pointers, and 83% on free throws in the game. Malik Thomas led UVA with 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Thijs De Ridder added 17 points and six rebounds in the win. 

Prior to that game, Virginia defeated Louisville by a score of 79-70 and Stanford by a score of 70-55. The Cavaliers have scored 84.0 points per game with 41.9 rebounds and 17.4 assists per game, while they have allowed 67.1 points against per game this season. Thijs De Ridder is averaging 16.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, while Malik Thomas is averaging 13.6 points and 4.2 rebounds per game for the Cavaliers. Virginia is shooting 47.4% from the field, 70.0% on free throws, and 37.1% on three pointers this year. 

Why the Virginia Cavaliers will win

• Virginia has won each of its last 12 January games as an AP-ranked team.
• North Carolina has lost eight of its last nine games at John Paul Jones Arena.
• North Carolina has lost the first half in seven of its last eight day games as an AP-ranked team against an AP-ranked team.

Why the North Carolina Tar Heels will win

• North Carolina has won 19 of its last 22 day games against the Atlantic Coast Conference.
• Virginia has lost each of its last four games against AP-ranked opponents at John Paul Jones Arena.
• Virginia has lost the first half in five of its last six day games against AP-ranked opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Virginia’s last 64 games against the Atlantic Coast Conference Conference at John Paul Jones Arena have produced a total of 149 or fewer points.
• Each of North Carolina’s last five games have produced a total of 160+ points.

North Carolina vs Virginia Prediction 

North Carolina comes into this matchup after losing three of their last five games and they have allowed at least 84 points in four of their last five. The Tar Heels are shooting 48% from the field, but their lack of defense is really hurting them. Virginia is on a lengthy winning streak and they have allowed fewer than 70 points in four of their last five. The Cavaliers are shooting 47% from the field and they have won their last two home games by a combined 39 points. Take Virginia and their defense to cover at home.

David Racey's Pick: Virginia -7.5