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With conference play underway in NCAA basketball, there is a game between two elite opponents. These teams are the North Carolina Tar Heels and the Virginia Cavaliers. According to the AP poll, both teams are ranked in the top 12 which should result in an extremely competitive basketball game. Last season, the Cavaliers defended their home court successfully against the Tar Heels and won by ten points. Now, North Carolina will be seeking revenge and will be looking for a huge road victory to boost its resume for March. Expect this game to be extremely competitive throughout as a result.
The North Carolina Tar Heels entered the season with the hopes of become the first back-to-back champions since 2007. However, the Tar Heels lost several key pieces from last year’s championship team including Justin Jackson and Isaiah Hicks. As a result, the Tar Heels have struggled a bit due to its lack of quality depth and experience on the roster. The Tar Heels have already lost three games this season and will most likely fall in the rankings this weekend due to their loss against Florida State on Wednesday night.
North Carolina’s success is due to its veteran backcourt. Guards Joel Berry and Kenny Williams have been the leaders of this year’s team and also have boasted impressive stats thus far in the regular season. Berry is currently averaging 17.9 points per game along with three rebounds and three assists. Williams is averaging 12.8 points per game along with 3.5 rebounds per game. Both of them were on the championship team last season as well as the second place team from two seasons ago. As a result, these guards are the veteran leaders on this team and will look to lead the Tar Heels to a huge road victory on Saturday.
Virginia’s success is due to its team defense. Every year, Virginia is one of the best defensive teams in the country under coach Tony Bennett. This season is no different as the Cavaliers officially have the best scoring defense in all of college basketball. Virginia is allowing 52.7 points per game this season and will look to shut down North Carolina’s potent offense. Leading the Cavaliers offensively is guard Kyle Guy. This season, Guy is averaging 15.5 points per game and is shooting 46% from the three point line. If Virginia plans on winning this contest, Guy will need to have a big game from behind the arc.
As for my prediction, I have to side with Virginia. Although I think that North Carolina is the better all-around team, very few teams go into Virginia and win on the road. I think that North Carolina’s lack of experience will lead to a lot of turnovers against Virginia’s defense as Virginia wins an extremely low scoring contest at home.
North Carolina vs. Virginia: Game Time, TV Channel & Viewing Details
Event: North Carolina vs. Virginia
Date: Saturday, January 6, 2018
Start Time: 1:00 P.M. EST
Location: John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia
Broadcast: ESPN
How to Watch North Carolina vs. Virginia On Your Tablet Or Mobile Device
You can live stream the game on the WatchESPN app.
You can download the WatchESPN app on Google Play, Amazon, iTunes, and the Windows Store. The Fox Sports Go app is also available on the following devices: Apple TV, Roku, Android TV and Fire TV.
How To Live Stream North Carolina vs. Virginia Online Without Cable Subscription
You can also live stream the game through Sling TV free trial. Just click on the Sling website and click “Watch Now 7 Days Free” for the free trial. Choose the Sling Orange package, which costs $20 per month and comes with ESPN, along with many other sports channels.
