BLACKSBURG, Va. (WNCN) — The North Carolina Tar Heels are marching toward the NCAA Tournament with determination as they enter their final road game of the regular season against the Virginia Tech Hokies on Tuesday night. The matchup at Cassell Coliseum is set for 7 p.m. ET, with the Tar Heels (19-11, 12-6 ACC) riding high on a five-game winning streak.
After overcoming several challenges, the Tar Heels are sharpening their focus to secure their spot in the NCAA Tournament. Coach Hubert Davis emphasizes the difficulty of the impending clash against Virginia Tech, saying, "This is a huge week for us, and Virginia Tech is a really good basketball team. It's very difficult to play them anywhere, especially on their home floor.”
The Tar Heels have steadily climbed up the ranks, buoyed by their offensive prowess, having averaged 81.8 points per game this season, which is the 23rd-best performance nationally. Their recent match against Miami showcased this strength as they emerged victorious with a score of 92-73. Six players scored in double figures, marking the first time since the 1988-89 season for back-to-back games with such balanced scoring.
Ven-Allen Lubin led the charge against Miami, contributing 19 points on 9-for-10 shooting. Other key contributions came from Drake Powell (16 points), RJ Davis (13 points), and both Jae'Lyn Withers and Ian Jackson, who scored 11 points each. UNC shot 55.6 percent from beyond the arc, effectively utilizing their three-point shooting to dominate the Hurricanes.
Walking onto the court against Virginia Tech, the Tar Heels must navigate the dynamics of playing away from home. They hold a 9-5 record against the Hokies at Cassell Coliseum but have lost two of their last three encounters there. The last meeting resulted in UNC defeating Virginia Tech 96-81, where standout performances were delivered by Armando Bacot, who scored 25 points and grabbed 12 rebounds.
The Hokies (13-16, 8-10 ACC) are also gearing up for the challenge, coming off an exhilarating 101-95 overtime victory over Syracuse. Virginia Tech was able to halt their five-game losing streak, showcasing resilience and determination at home. During Saturday's game, Jaydon Young led Virginia Tech with 26 points, supported by impressive bench scoring from Ben Hammond and Jaden Schutt, contributing 21 and 20 points, respectively.
Virginia Tech's head coach Mike Young has cultivated the talents of players like Tobi Lawal, who averages 12.5 points and 6.9 rebounds but missed the last game due to illness. His potential comeback could significantly impact the game's tempo and style. Another key player is Mylyjael Poteat, who took to the court after recovering from injury, scoring 14 points against Syracuse.
The Hokies have struggled with turnovers this season, leading the conference with 377 turnovers as they grapple with maintaining possession during games. Their youth is evident, with six of the team’s top ten scorers being freshmen or sophomores. Virginia Tech has adapted to their challenges, especially when adjusting their gameplay to squeeze the best out of their younger, inexperienced roster.
Historically, the all-time series between these teams heavily favors North Carolina, with the Tar Heels leading 73-17. This doesn’t undermine the sense of rivalry, especially as Virginia Tech seeks to bolster their standing before the upcoming ACC Tournament.
North Carolina remains on the NCAA Tournament bubble and will need to maintain momentum against Virginia Tech to secure their qualifications. According to ESPN bracketologist Joe Lunardi, Carolina is currently placed as the third team outside of the 68-team field. They have just one Quad 1 opportunity left — their highly anticipated matchup against Duke on Saturday night.
With the stakes high, the Tar Heels are aware of the importance of every game at this juncture, as emphasized by guard Seth Trimble, who expressed gratitude, confidence, and excitement for what lies ahead. Undoubtedly, this road trip serves as pivotal preparation for the playoffs.
The stage is set for what promises to be an electrifying matchup between two teams with contrasting situations but shared fervor for victory. Whichever way the game swings, both teams are sure to fight with their full heart, battling for pride, precious NCAA Tournament spots, and the determination to leave their mark this season.