Tar Heels vs. Cavaliers Prediction
A top 10 battle in the Atlantic Coast Conference is on the docket this afternoon as the seventh-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels play at the fifth-ranked Virginia Cavaliers. Which side will be able to bounce back from a lopsided loss earlier this week?
Game Snapshot
739 North Carolina Tar Heels at 740 Virginia Cavaliers
Sunday, December 8, 2019
John Paul Jones Arena at 4PM ET
TV: ACCN
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our NCAA Basketball Odds & Betting Page
According to oddsmakers, the Cavaliers are a 4.5-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 115.5 points. As of Sunday morning, 55 percent of public bets are being placed on visiting UNC. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for the latest updates.
Tar Heels blasted by Buckeyes
North Carolina suffered a 74-49 home defeat Wednesday night against sixth-ranked Ohio State to fall to 6-2 overall and 3-1 at home. The Tar Heels were outscored 45-22 in the second half of the loss. Cole Anthony led UNC with 15 points on 4-of-15 shooting including 4-of-8 from 3-point distance plus 3-of-4 at the free throw line. He also registered three assists and two rebounds. Brandon Robinson added nine points, three boards and three dimes.
Cavs fall flat at Boilermakers
Virginia fell by a score of 69-40 Wednesday night at Purdue in the ACC/Big Ten Challenge to drop to 7-1 overall and 1-1 on the road. The Cavaliers trailed 32-17 at halftime and were unable to recover. Jay Huff paced Virginia with 11 points on 3-of-8 shooting including 2-of-6 from 3-point range plus 3-of-4 at the charity stripe. He also recorded four rebounds. Mamadi Diakite added 10 points and five boards.
College Basketball Betting Trends
North Carolina
The Tar Heels are 4-0 ATS in their last four games as an underdog. North Carolina is 1-4 ATS in its last five games following an ATS loss
Virginia
The Cavaliers are 0-6 ATS in their last six games overall. The favorite is 9-3 ATS in the last 12 meetings.
Prediction:
The Cavaliers won last season’s home meeting against UNC by eight points and I think they cover the spread here today. Virginia has a top-notch defense and is also efficient on the other end, although it did not necessarily look like it Wednesday night. Expect the Cavaliers to bounce back in front of the home faithful against a UNC squad that has some youth and is going to have some inconsistencies. Not sure the Tar Heels are quite ready for the vaunted Virginia defense today.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: VIRGINIA CAVALIERS -4.5