UNC at Virginia Tech 1/22/18 - College Basketball Picks & Prediction

North Carolina has won four games in a row in impressive fashion, recording home victories over Clemson and Georgia Tech last week. The Tar Heels are 1-2 on the road in ACC play entering a trip to Blacksburg, which can be a difficult place for visitors. The Hokies are reeling because they haven't defended a lick. They lost to Florida State 91-82 on Saturday and dropped to 1-2 in league home games as they watch their NCAA tournament chances fade. The Tar Heels average 83 points per game and are 14th in the nation in offensive efficiency, which has been a consistent part of the Roy Williams system. They are 2nd in the ACC in efficiency, scoring 1.11 points per trip. Luke Maye leads the Tar Heels with 17 points and 10 rebounds per game and 48 percent shooting on 3-pointers. Joel Berry II adds 17.3 ppg and is one of the toughest players in the nation late in the shot clock. Kenny Williams (11.9) and Cameron Johnson (11.7 ppg) round out the double figure scorers. UNC is 15th in the nation in defensive efficiency (8th in ACC games).

Virginia Tech is 13th in the ACC in defensive efficiency, letting its opponents shoot 52 percent on 2-pointers and 45 percent on 3-pointers. Hokies are 7th in the league in offensive efficiency, allowing 73 ppg this season. Virginia Tech scored 85.6 points per game. Ahmed Hill leads coach Buzz Williams' squad with 14.7 ppg and Justin Gibbs adds 13.6 ppg.