Virginia vs NC State Prediction 1/3/2026 Today’s College Basketball Picks

The Virginia Cavaliers and the NC State Wolfpack meet Saturday in college basketball action from the Lenovo Center. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Virginia Cavaliers vs. NC State Wolfpack prediction.

Virginia Cavaliers Recap

The Virginia Cavaliers come into this game looking to shake off a 95-85 loss at the hands of Virginia Tech last time out to sit at 11-2 on the year. After this game, Virginia will take on Cal at home.

Cavaliers Have Six-Game Win Streak Snapped

Thijs De Ridder leads the Cavaliers in scoring with 16.1 PPG along with 6 RPG while Malik Thomas has 11.1 PPG with 3.2 RPG. Chance Mallory has 11.1 PPG with 4.7 RPG in addition to 3.6 APG and 2.3 SPG and Jacari White has 10.9 PPG with 2.5 RPG to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for Virginia so far this season. Sam Lewis has 9.6 PPG with 3.8 RPG while Johann Grunloh has 9 PPG with a team-high 7.2 RPG to lead the Cavaliers in rebounding and Dallin Hall is Virginia’s top assist man with 4.2 APG so far this season. As a team, Virginia is averaging 87.2 PPG on 49.7% shooting from the field, 39.6% from three and 67.8% from the foul line this season.

NC State Wolfpack Recap

The NC State Wolfpack come into this game looking to build on their 70-57 win over Wake Forest last time out to sit at 10-4 this season. After this game, NC State will head on the road for a game against Boston College.

Wolfpack Win 3 In A Row

Darrion Williams leads the Wolfpack in scoring with 16 PPG along with 5.5 RPG and 3.5 APG while Paul McNeil Jr. has 13.9 PPG with 4.4 RPG. Tre Holloman has 11.1 PPG with 2.7 APG while Quadir Copeland has 13.9 PPG with 3.3 RPG and a team-high 5.5 APG to lead the Wolfpack in assists. Ven-Allen Lubin has 13 PPG with a team-high 7.3 RPG to lead the Wolfpack in rebounding and to cap off the group of double-digit scorers for NC State so far this season. Matt Able has 8.9 PPG with 3.4 RPG as well this season. As a team, NC State is averaging 89.3 PPG on 49% shooting from the field, 38.9% from three and 77% from the foul line so far this season.

Virginia Cavaliers @ NC State Wolfpack Betting Trends: January 3, 2026

Why the NC State Wolfpack will win

• NC State has won 10 of its last 11 games at Lenovo Center.
• Virginia has lost eight of its last nine day games against Conference opponents.
• NC State has won the first half in 10 of its last 11 games at Lenovo Center.

Why the Virginia Cavaliers will win

• Virginia has won each of its last seven January games as an AP-ranked team.
• NC State has lost each of its last six games against AP-ranked opponents.
• Virginia has won the first half in 14 of its last 15 January day games as an AP-ranked team.

Total Points Facts

• Ninety-six of Virginia’s last 97 day games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 153 or fewer points.
• Ten of NC State’s last 11 day games against Conference opponents have produced a total of 149 or fewer points.

Matchup/League Facts

• NC State ranks T24th among Division 1 teams for three-point field goals made per game this season (10.8).
• NC State ranks 25th among Division 1 teams for three-point percentage this season (38.5%).
• Virginia ranks 4th among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (6.5).
• Virginia ranks 15th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (42.5).

Virginia Cavaliers vs. NC State Wolfpack Prediction

I’m on NC State here. This is a quick turnaround for Virginia to deal with a fast-paced NC State squad and I think that the short turnaround after a triple OT loss is going to be tough for the Cavaliers to cope with. NC State’s a legit squad under Will Wade and being at home here I think will be the difference. Give me NC State.

Chris Ruffolo's Pick: NC State -4.5