Virginia is 13-1 at home this year. Tony Bennett\u2019s team has been one of the biggest surprises in the nation. <\/p>\n
NCAA Basketball Matchup: Tar Heels vs Cavaliers Matchup<\/a>\u00a0|\u00a0Preview<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n The Cavaliers are coming off a nice comeback victory at rival Virginia Tech. North Carolina has had its share of ups and downs this year, but the Tar Heels have won nine of their last ten games.<\/p>\n North Carolina beat Virginia 70-52 in Chapel Hill a couple weeks ago, but they\u2019ll likely find things tougher on the road.<\/p>\n The Tar Heels were the overwhelming favorite to win it all before the season. Many people are down on them right now, but this team clearly still has the potential to cut down the nets this year. They need to learn to close out games more consistently and work hard all the time on the defensive end. Harrison Barnes has stepped up in a big way this year.<\/p>\n Barnes is knocking down 43% of his shots from beyond the arc, and he leads the team in scoring at 18.0 points per game. Tyler Zeller and John Henson form a terrific frontcourt. Both of them run the floor well and that generally gets the Tar Heels quite a few easy baskets.<\/p>\n North Carolina is the top offensive rebounding team in the nation. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Virginia has bought into Tony Bennett\u2019s tempo and defensive philosophy in a big way this year.<\/p>\n The under is 18-4 in the Cavaliers games this year, both because they slow the game down and they play great defense. Mike Scott is the team\u2019s star on the offensive end. Scott averages 17.3 points and 8.2 boards per game. He is such a tough guy to guard because he can work in the low post with his terrific moves or step out and use his nice jump shot.<\/p>\n Scott is shooting a ridiculous 59% from the floor this season. Joe Harris is the Cavs top outside shooter. Harris averages 11.4 points per game, and he shoots 38% from beyond the arc.<\/p>\n Virginia is second in the nation in points allowed per game at 52.2.<\/p>\n Virginia is very tough to beat at home, but the Tar Heels should control the boards as they did in the first meeting. Virginia should control the pace, but I still think they lose a close one here.<\/p>\n
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\nCollege Basketball Gambling Odds from BetOnline
\nNCAA Basketball Betting Favorite: North Carolina -4
\nOver\/Under: 126<\/strong><\/p>\n