The 22nd-ranked University of North Carolina Tar Heels are coming off a decisive 91-69 victory against Notre Dame and are set to clash with the 14th-ranked Virginia Cavaliers on Saturday, January 24, at noon. The game’s timing was adjusted due to anticipated winter weather and will be broadcasted on ESPN2.
With a current record of 15-4 and a 3-3 standing in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the Tar Heels face off against Virginia, who holds an impressive 16-2 record while being 5-1 in conference action. This matchup promises intensity, especially since the Cavaliers have remained unbeaten at home this season, boasting a 10-0 record at John Paul Jones Arena. The Tar Heels, in contrast, have struggled on the road, having lost their last three away games and holding a 1-3 record for road contests this season.
In their recent triumph over Notre Dame, the Tar Heels displayed a remarkable turnaround in three-point shooting, successfully sinking 13 shots from beyond the arc while outscoring the Fighting Irish 39-24 in that category. Caleb Wilson shone brightly in the win, leading the team with a game-high 22 points, complemented by seven rebounds and five assists. This victory marks the Tar Heels’ sixth consecutive win over Notre Dame, indicating a strong competitive edge in that series.
Historically, the Tar Heels have had the upper hand against the Cavaliers, leading the all-time series 136-62 and winning four of their last six encounters. Notably, during their previous visit to Charlottesville in 2024, the Tar Heels secured a 54-44 win, the fewest points scored in a Carolina victory since a 54-51 result against Virginia in 2012.
Moreover, Wilson has established himself as a standout player this season. Averaging 19.8 points and 10.4 rebounds, he is positioned to set the UNC freshman record for both scoring and rebounding. His substantial contributions include 11 double-doubles, a feat that has him topping the ACC in that statistical category. Wilson’s dominance on the court has not gone unnoticed; he is a contender for prestigious awards such as the John R. Wooden Award and the Wayman Tisdale National Freshman of the Year award.
Saturday’s game will not only be a test for the Tar Heels to prove their resilience on the road but also an opportunity for Wilson and his teammates to solidify their place in the conference standings as they aim to reclaim their footing against a formidable opponent in Virginia. This matchup serves as a key indicator of Carolina’s progress in the current season and highlights the growth of its talented freshman class. Fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling showdown.