The No. 15 North Carolina Tar Heels (5-3, 0-0 ACC) visit the Virginia Tech Hokies (7-1, 0-0) in a game that marks the ACC opener for both teams. Tip time at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg is slated for 3 p.m. ET (ACC Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the North Carolina vs. Virginia Tech odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
North Carolina has not played at home since Nov. 20. This contest at Va. Tech marks the Tar Heels’ 5th straight game away from Chapel Hill (3 neutral-site, 2 road).
In the most recent of those road tilts, UNC fell to No. 8 Indiana 77-65 as a 4.5-point underdog Wednesday. North Carolina — which went 15-5 in ACC play last season (2nd place) — was a bit flat in that contest. The Tar Heels shot a season-low 33.9% and were not within 2 scores over the final 15 minutes.
The Hokies take to their home hardwood with a 7-1 mark on the season, but there are just 2-6 against the spread. Those 6 ATS setbacks have come in a row since opening the season with 2 ATS wins. That stretch includes Virginia Tech defeating Minnesota 67-57 Monday in their last contest, but failing to cover a 12.5-point spread.
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North Carolina at Virginia Tech odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:25 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline: North Carolina -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Virginia Tech -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): North Carolina +1.5 (-125) | Virginia Tech -1.5 (+105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 142.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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North Carolina at Virginia Tech picks and predictions
Prediction
Virginia Tech 68, North Carolina 66
Moneyline
UVA is the would-be lean and likely would have been an actionable one at a better price if Carolina came into this game playing level ball. The UNC slump has depressed the payout.
PASS.
Against the spread
North Carolina beat Virginia Tech twice in the regular season last year. The Hokies then dealt the Tar Heels a 72-59 loss in the ACC Tournament (March 11). That meeting and the one before it were Unders by healthy margins, and that’s the better betting play for Sunday.
AVOID.
Over/Under
The Under is 4-0 in Virginia Tech’s last 4 games following an ATS loss.
This contest between veteran ACC lineups is ripe for a patient, defensive tussle. The Hokies have been hot on their 2-point looks and may be due for some regression in those shooting numbers. The quality looks they get are tilted toward the paint, and UNC shines in defending those attempts.
Neither side is 3-point dependent. Both teams have solid handles on the ball, and neither is apt to pile up a lot of 2nd-chance points. Carolina does well to get to the free-throw line with great frequency, but the visitors are met with defensive VT numbers that swing the other way at a like impressive level.
The Hokies play at a bottom-third tempo. This contest against road-weary North Carolina could well land in the low 130s.
BACK THE UNDER 142.5 (-115).
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