UNC Basketball vs. Virginia: Game preview, info, prediction and more

The UNC Basketball program returns to action on Saturday for the first time in over a week as they hope to build on their tournament resume. But this won’t be an easy task as a trip to Charlottesville to take on No. 9 Virginia looms.

The Cavaliers had an up-and-down start to the season but have really turned it on during conference play. They enter Saturday’s game at 14-3 overall and 10-1 in conference play as the Cavaliers have done most of their damage in the ACC.

Despite losing key talent from a year ago, the Cavaliers rebounded well this season adding key players with most notably Sam Hauser transferring in. The former Marquette standout has been fantastic for the Cavaliers, averaging 14.9 points per game while shooting 52 percent from the field. While Hauser is their best shooter, the offense is run by guard Kihei Clark, a junior with championship experience that can run Tony Bennett’s offense how it should be.

Clark is averaging just over 10 points per game while dishing out 4.6 assists so far this season.

The duo of Hauser and Clark will be a challenge for UNC as we will likely see Caleb Love and R.J. Davis on Clark while Leaky Black likely draws Hauser. UNC is going to need to be sound on the defensive end of the floor to limit the Cavaliers. If they can do that, they should have a shot at winning this game.

Meanwhile, UNC enters the game fresh off a win at Duke to help keep their tournament hopes alive but haven’t played since. Their game on Monday was cancelled after video surfaced of a few players without masks and around other students.

Roy Williams doesn’t expect any players to miss this game from the incident, a good sign for the Tar Heels and their chances. Still, this will be a VERY tough task ahead for UNC and the reward will be worth it if they can get a win.

Key to victory for UNC Basketball

Turning this into a fast paced game. By now we all know how Virginia likes to play and run their offense. They are going to try and play their game by slowing it down, taking time off the clock and being efficient. It’s a recipe that has worked for Bennett for years now as teams have struggled with it.

But when teams can dictate the tempo of the game, it does give the Cavaliers some trouble.

That’s exactly what UNC has to do on Saturday. They need to come out and dictate the tempo of the game by making a statement. Getting out on their breaks and pushing the ball up the floor will certainly do that.

Something to Watch

Can UNC get hot from the three-point line? Against Duke, the Tar Heels shot 66 percent from the three-point line, a season high. That was backed by the effort of Caleb Love who scored 25 points and drained four three-pointers with a few down the stretch. Fellow freshman Kerwin Walton was perfect from the three-point line making all four of his attempts as well.

Shots are going to be there for UNC and they need to take advantage of the three ball on Saturday.

What you need to know

WHAT? North Carolina Tar Heels (12-6, 7-4 ACC) AT Virginia Cavaliers (14-3, 10-1 ACC)
WHEN? Saturday, February 13 @ 6:00 PM EST
WHERE? John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia
TV? ESPN
RADIO? Tar Heels Sports Network
LINE? N/A
LAST MEETING? Virginia defeated UNC 64-62 on Feb. 15, 2020
ALL-TIME SERIES? UNC leads 103-40
PREDICTION? Virginia 60, UNC 58

For more on this game including a recap, please check back with Keeping It Heel.