North Carolina Tops Virginia Tech in High-Scoring Affair
Saturday, February 28, 2026, 8:30 PM ET · Dean E. Smith Center
North Carolina Tar Heels 89, Virginia Tech Hokies 82, final. Our NCAAB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Virginia Tech Hokies vs North Carolina Tar Heels?
North Carolina Tar Heels beat Virginia Tech Hokies 89-82 at Dean E. Smith Center on February 28, 2026.
Who was favored in Virginia Tech Hokies vs North Carolina Tar Heels?
North Carolina Tar Heels were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -310 (about 76% implied). The favorite won.
In a thrilling matchup at the Dean E. Smith Center, the North Carolina Tar Heels secured a victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies with a final score of 89-82. This game showcased the Tar Heels' strong home performance, improving their record to 24-6, while the Hokies fell to 18-12. North Carolina's recent form has been impressive, as they entered the game with an 8-2 record over their last ten outings, including a two-game winning streak. The Tar Heels averaged 78.2 points scored per game, while allowing 72.9 points during this stretch.
Virginia Tech, on the other hand, had a mixed performance recently, with a record of 5-5 in their last ten games, and they were coming off a victory against Wake Forest. The Hokies averaged 73.1 points scored and allowed 74.2 points in their last ten games, indicating a competitive but inconsistent form. Their away record stood at 2-3, reflecting the challenges they faced on the road.
The previous meeting between these two teams this season took place on March 5, 2025, where North Carolina decisively defeated Virginia Tech 91-59. This history added an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup, as the Hokies looked to avenge that loss.
In terms of injuries, the block does not specify any notable absences for either team, allowing both squads to field their strongest lineups. The betting market reflected North Carolina as the favorite, with DraftKings setting the spread at -7.5 in favor of the Tar Heels. The total points for the game was set at 149.5, with over odds at -112.0 and under odds at -108.0. North Carolina's moneyline was priced at -310.0, while Virginia Tech's was at 250.0.
The game conditions were conducive to an exciting contest, with both teams showcasing their offensive capabilities. Viewers witnessed key moments in the second half, including Seth Trimble's free throw that brought the score to 84-75 in favor of the Tar Heels. Neoklis Avdalas responded with a three-point jumper for the Hokies, narrowing the gap to 84-78. However, Henri Veesaar's dunk and subsequent free throws helped North Carolina maintain their lead.
As the game progressed, both teams exchanged scoring plays, but North Carolina's ability to convert crucial free throws and make timely baskets ultimately secured their victory. The Tar Heels demonstrated their resilience and skill, particularly in high-pressure situations, which is a hallmark of their home performances this season.
Overall, this matchup not only highlighted the competitive nature of NCAAB but also reinforced North Carolina's dominance at home, setting the stage for their upcoming games as they aim for a strong finish to the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | UNC -7.5 | 149.5 o -112 / u -108 | Virginia Tech Hokies +250 · North Carolina Tar Heels -310 |
Leaders
- PointsHenri Veesaar26North Carolina Tar Heels
- AssistsSeth Trimble4North Carolina Tar Heels
- ReboundsHenri Veesaar7North Carolina Tar Heels
- PointsNeoklis Avdalas19Virginia Tech Hokies
- AssistsNeoklis Avdalas5Virginia Tech Hokies
- ReboundsTobi Lawal5Virginia Tech Hokies
Recent form
North Carolina Tar Heels
Last 10: 8-2Streak W278.2 scored · 72.9 allowed per game5-0 at home
- W77-74vs Louisville CardinalsFeb 24
- W77-64at Syracuse OrangeFeb 21
- L58-82at NC State WolfpackFeb 18
- W79-65vs Pittsburgh PanthersFeb 14
- L66-75at Miami HurricanesFeb 11
- W71-68vs Duke Blue DevilsFeb 7
- W87-77vs Syracuse OrangeFeb 3
- W91-75at Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsJan 31
- W85-80at Virginia CavaliersJan 24
- W91-69vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishJan 22
Virginia Tech Hokies
Last 10: 5-5Streak W173.1 scored · 74.2 allowed per game2-3 away
- W82-63vs Wake Forest Demon DeaconsFeb 21
- L66-67at Miami HurricanesFeb 18
- L69-92vs Florida State SeminolesFeb 14
- W76-66at Clemson TigersFeb 12
- L73-82at NC State WolfpackFeb 7
- L58-72vs Duke Blue DevilsJan 31
- W71-65vs Georgia Tech Yellow JacketsJan 28
- L71-85at Louisville CardinalsJan 24
- W76-74at Syracuse OrangeJan 22
- W89-76vs Notre Dame Fighting IrishJan 17
Standings
| Team | Overall | Games behind | In conference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke | 35-3 | - | 17-1 |
| Virginia | 30-6 | 2 | 15-3 |
| Miami | 26-9 | 4 | 13-5 |
| North Carolina | 24-9 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Clemson | 24-11 | 5 | 12-6 |
| Louisville | 24-11 | 6 | 11-7 |
| NC State | 20-14 | 7 | 10-8 |
| Florida State | 18-15 | 7 | 10-8 |
| California | 22-12 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Stanford | 20-13 | 8 | 9-9 |
| Virginia Tech | 19-13 | 9 | 8-10 |
| SMU | 20-14 | 9 | 8-10 |
| Wake Forest | 18-17 | 10 | 7-11 |
| Syracuse | 15-17 | 11 | 6-12 |
| Pittsburgh | 13-20 | 12 | 5-13 |
| Notre Dame | 13-18 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Boston College | 11-20 | 13 | 4-14 |
| Georgia Tech | 11-20 | 15 | 2-16 |
Box score
| Stat | Virginia Tech Hokies | North Carolina Tar Heels |
|---|---|---|
| Field goals | 31-62 | 29-52 |
| Field goal % | 50 | 56 |
| Three-pointers | 9-23 | 8-20 |
| Three-point % | 39 | 40 |
| Free throws | 11-11 | 23-30 |
| Free throw % | 100 | 77 |
| Rebounds | 22 | 34 |
| Offensive rebounds | 6 | 11 |
| Defensive rebounds | 16 | 23 |
| Assists | 16 | 16 |
| Steals | 6 | 5 |
| Blocks | 2 | 2 |
| Turnovers | 9 | 13 |
| Team turnovers | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls | 1 | 1 |
| Technical fouls, total | 1 | 1 |
| Flagrant fouls | 0 | 0 |
| Points off turnovers | 14 | 12 |
| Fast-break points | 11 | 8 |
| Points in the paint | 38 | 34 |
| Fouls | 24 | 13 |
| Largest lead | 4 | 11 |
| Lead changes | 9 | 9 |
| Time in front | 18 | 76 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Half52-55Henri Veesaar makes 9-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half54-55Amani Hansberry makes layup (Neoklis Avdalas assists)
- 2nd Half54-57Henri Veesaar makes 5-foot jumper
- 2nd Half57-57Jaden Schutt makes 25-foot three point jumper
- 2nd Half57-59Henri Veesaar makes 1-foot alley oop dunk (Jonathan Powell assists)
- 2nd Half57-62Jonathan Powell makes 25-foot three point jumper (Kyan Evans assists)
- 2nd Half57-64Seth Trimble makes driving layup
- 2nd Half58-64Ben Hammond makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half59-64Ben Hammond makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half60-64Ben Hammond makes free throw 3 of 3
- 2nd Half60-65Zayden High makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half60-66Zayden High makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half60-68Seth Trimble makes driving layup
- 2nd Half62-68Tobi Lawal makes 7-foot floating jump shot
- 2nd Half63-68Tobi Lawal makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half63-69Seth Trimble makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half63-71Seth Trimble makes 3-foot dunk (Henri Veesaar assists)
- 2nd Half63-73Henri Veesaar makes 9-foot hook shot
- 2nd Half65-73Christian Gurdak makes 6-foot floating jump shot (Ben Hammond assists)
- 2nd Half65-76Henri Veesaar makes 26-foot three point jumper (Seth Trimble assists)
- 2nd Half67-76Neoklis Avdalas makes 1-foot dunk
- 2nd Half67-77Zayden High makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half67-78Zayden High makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half69-78Amani Hansberry makes layup (Jailen Bedford assists)
- 2nd Half72-78Jailen Bedford makes 25-foot three point jumper (Amani Hansberry assists)
- 2nd Half72-79Seth Trimble makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half72-80Seth Trimble makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half74-80Ben Hammond makes driving layup
- 2nd Half75-80Ben Hammond makes free throw 1 of 1
- 2nd Half75-81Zayden High makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half75-82Zayden High makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half75-83Seth Trimble makes free throw 1 of 3
- 2nd Half75-84Seth Trimble makes free throw 2 of 3
- 2nd Half78-84Neoklis Avdalas makes 25-foot three point step back jumpshot
- 2nd Half78-86Henri Veesaar makes 2-foot dunk
- 2nd Half78-87Kyan Evans makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half78-88Kyan Evans makes free throw 2 of 2
- 2nd Half80-88Ben Hammond makes driving layup
- 2nd Half80-89Henri Veesaar makes free throw 1 of 2
- 2nd Half82-89Neoklis Avdalas makes driving layup
Win probability
Above the line favours North Carolina Tar Heels, below favours Virginia Tech Hokies.
Venue
- Dean E. Smith CenterChapel Hill, NC
- Attendance21750
- OfficialsJeff Clark, Tim Clougherty, Michael Kitts
Elsewhere
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- Men's NCAA basketball 2026-27 Way-Too-Early Top 25 rankings
- Transfers, recruits and roster moves for key men's NCAA basketball teams
- Michigan 5-star freshman Brandon McCoy Jr. (knee) to miss season
- With $6.5 million left on deal, UCLA fires AD Martin Jarmond