Virginia Tech vs North Carolina Prediction 2/28/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Virginia Tech Hokies and the North Carolina Tar Heels meet Saturday in college basketball action from the Dean E. Smith Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Virginia Tech Hokies vs. North Carolina Tar Heels prediction.

Virginia Tech Hokies Recap

The Virginia Tech Hokies come into this game looking to add on to their 82-63 win over Wake Forest last time out to sit at 18-10 this season. After this game, Virginia Tech will head home for a game against Boston College.

Hokies Snap Two-Game Skid

Amani Hansberry leads Virginia Tech in scoring and rebounding with 16.3 PPG and 8.4 RPG along with 3.3 APG while Neoklis Avdalas has 14.6 PPG with 3.5 RPG and a team-high 5 APG to lead the Hokies in assists up to this point in the year. Tobi Lawal has 12.8 PPG and Jaden Schutt has 10.6 PPG while Ben Hammond’s added 10.1 PPG with 3.5 APG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Virginia Tech up to this point in the year. Tyler Johnson has 9.5 PPG with 5.3 RPG and Jailen Bedford has 8.3 PPG with 2.8 RPG as well this season. As a team, Virginia Tech is averaging 83.1 PPG on 47% shooting from the field, 35.9% from the foul line and 70.3% from the foul line this season.

North Carolina Tar Heels Recap

The North Carolina Tar Heels come into this game looking to add on to their 77-74 win over Louisville last time out to sit at 22-6 this season. After this game, North Carolina will take on Clemson at home.

Tar Heels Win Back-To-Back Games

Caleb Wilson leads the Tar Heels in scoring and rebounding with 19.8 PPG and 9.4 RPG along with 2.7 APG but is out for the season with an injury while Henri Veesaar has 16.4 PPG with 9 RPG. Seth Trimble has 13.9 PPG along with 3.8 RPG and 2.4 APG to cap off the Tar Heels’ group of double-digit scorers. Kyan Evans has 2.9 APG to lead the Tar Heels in assists while Luka Bogavac has 9.8 PPG with 2.4 RPG and 2.4 APG so far this season. As a team, North Carolina is averaging 81.8 PPG on 47.6% shooting from the field, 34.5% from three and 69.2% from the foul line this season. 

Virginia Tech Hokies @ North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Trends: February 28, 2026

Why the North Carolina Tar Heels will win

• North Carolina has won each of its last 20 games as an AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team at Dean E. Smith Center.
• Virginia Tech has lost eight of its last 10 games against AP-ranked opponents.
• North Carolina has won the first half in each of its last 27 games at Dean E. Smith Center against non-AP-ranked opponents.

Why the Virginia Tech Hokies will win

• Virginia Tech has won five of its last six games when playing with a rest advantage.
• North Carolina has lost three of its last four night games following a home win.
• Virginia Tech has won the first half in each of its last four games.

Total Points Facts

• Fifteen of Virginia Tech’s last 17 night games against AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 149 or fewer points.
• Each of North Carolina’s last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents have produced a total of 144 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• North Carolina ranks T8th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (10.6).
• North Carolina ranks 13th among Division 1 teams for opponent free throw attempts per game this season (15.2).
• Virginia Tech ranks 25th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point percentage this season (30.2%).
• Virginia Tech ranks 31st among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.3).

Virginia Tech Hokies vs. North Carolina Tar Heels Prediction

I’m on Virginia Tech and the points in this one. I just think this has the makings of a one possession game and I’m still not 100% sold on the Tar Heels without Caleb Wilson. Virginia Tech’s been fantastic ATS on the road this year, and I think that the Hokies are live in this game. Give me Virginia Tech and the points.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: Virginia Tech +7