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Five takeaways from UNC basketball's sixth-straight victory
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- Five takeaways from UNC basketball's sixth-straight victory
If Tuesday night's performance in Blacksburg didn't convince you the UNC men's basketball team should be in the NCAA Tournament , I don't know what will.
North Carolina shot 58.9 percent from the field, enjoyed a balanced scoring attack with five players in double-figures and absolutely obliterated the Virginia Tech Hokies, 91-59 , extending its season-best winning streak to six games.
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The Tar Heels (20-11, 13-6 ACC) and Hokies (13-17, 8-11) played each other close early, as the Tar Heels lead 31-28 with just 3:29 remaining in the first half. Moments later, UNC went into halftime with a 46-29 lead.
North Carolina continued its onslaught in the second half, scoring 45 points to just 30 for Virginia Tech. You can credit a large portion of the Tar Heels' massive victory to perimeter shooting, with players a scorching-hot 15-of-28 (53.6 percent) from deep.
Just like Saturday's big win over Miami, UNC enjoyed another balanced scoring attack against the Hokies. Ian Jackson enjoyed a much-needed offensive bounce-back, anchoring North Carolina with 19 points on 6-of-10 shooting (5-of-8 on 3-pointers, 2-of-2 on free throws). Seth Trimble poured in 17 points (6-of-10 shooting, 4-of-5 FT) off the bench, RJ Davis added 15 points (5-of-6 field goals, 3-of-4 3PT) in the starting lineup, as did Drake Powell (13 points) and Ven-Allen Lubin (10).
The Tar Heels controlled the boards once again, out-rebounding the Hokies 38-27. Lubin continued his ascent when he's needed most, adding 11 rebounds for his first double-double in a UNC uniform. North Carolina controlled the transition game, scoring 17 fast-break points to Virginia Tech's two, while defense limited the Hokies to 37.9 percent shooting.
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There's so many areas the Tar Heels played well in Tuesday night. Keep reading below, as we dive deeper into those takeaways and tell you why UNC is deserving of a spot in March Madness.
North Carolina is peaking at the right time
Mar 4, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Seth Trimble (7) dunks the ball against Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images
I'm not telling you anything you don't already know, but UNC is extremely hot right now – and anyone who plays them should be aware.
Tuesday night's 91-59 victory at Virginia Tech, perhaps the Tar Heels' most dominant effort in their 2024-2025 campaign, was also the Tar Heels' sixth-straight win. This is crucial for a North Carolina team currently on the NCAA Tournament bubble, with positioning sure to improve in future bracketology.
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UNC started its current winning streak on February 15 at Syracuse. The Tar Heels then dominated NC State four days later in Chapel Hill, won comfortably against Virginia on Feb. 22 at the Dean Dome, pulled away from Florida State on Feb. 24 in Tallahassee, followed up with a 92-73 beatdown of the Miami (FL) Hurricanes.
Perimeter shooting will be UNC's X-factor as it plays deeper into March
Mar 4, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Drake Powell (9) shoot a three point basket as Virginia Tech Hokies forward Ben Burnham (13) defends during the second half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images
North Carolina couldn't buy a 3-pointer at times earlier this season, with that crucial area being the difference between close wins and heart-breaking losses.
As of recent, however, the Tar Heels seem like they can't miss from deep. Just take a look at what UNC did Tuesday at Virginia Tech, making 15 of its 28 attempts for a 53.6 percentage. Jackson led the charge with five 3-pointers off the bench, Powell and Davis each drained three in the starting lineup, while Jae'Lyn Withers continued his strong play with one perimeter make.
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You've seen all the 3-pointers to win during March Madness, something North Carolina still isn't a lock for yet. If UNC somehow finds a way to sneak in, though, it'll need to shoot lights out like it did tonight.
Ven-Allen Lubin is finally shaping up to be UNC's best transfer portal addition
Mar 4, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Ven-Allen Lubin (22) dunks the ball during the second half against Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images
The Tar Heels knew they were going to have a tough time replacing Armando Bacot 's production at center this season, but were confident in Jalen Washington's abilities after learning behind Bacot for two years.
Washington has played well in his moments, but rotated in-and-out of the starting lineup with Vanderbilt transfer Ven-Allen Lubin.
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Since North Carolina beat Pitt in their rematch on Feb. 8, Lubin is the clear answer at center. Lubin scored 10 points on Tuesday at Virginia Tech, his fifth-consecutive game in double-figures, while adding 11 rebounds for his first double-double in a UNC uniform.
Though Lubin isn't the towering, 7-foot center like Danny Wolf at Michigan, Lubin is exactly the type of center the Tar Heels need.
Saturday's UNC-Duke rematch will be closer than you may think
Feb 1, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard R.J. Davis (4) fouls Duke Blue Devils forward Kon Knueppel (7) in the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Zachary Taft-Imagn Images
There's no escaping it. North Carolina played arguably its worst game of the year on February 1, losing 87-70 at archrival Duke. The Tar Heels, once again, proved they couldn't keep up with tougher compeition.
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UNC is a much better team now, despite facing largely inferior competition during its current hot streak. The ACC-leading Blue Devils (27-3, 18-1) are the best team North Carolina will face this year – and are the greatest threat to turn joy into sadness.
Don't be surprised if Duke wins Saturday in Chapel Hill, but also don't be surprised if the game's close. The Tar Heels are certainly capable of an upset, too, so all cards are on the table.
Anyone – I mean anyone – can be counted on for scoring production
Mar 4, 2025; Blacksburg, Virginia, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels guard Elliot Cadeau (3) congratulates guard Drake Powell (9) on a three point basket against Virginia Tech Hokies during the second half at Cassell Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bishop-Imagn Images
When you're a team that has five guys (sorry, we apologize in advance for making you hungry) scoring in double-figures, it makes the opposition's defense constant guess who to guard.
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UNC did exactly that on Tuesday, with five players reaching double-figures against Virginia Tech. Jackson anchored North Carolina's scoring attack with 19 points off the bench, while Trimble, Davis, Powell and Lubin joined him with at least 10 points.
The Tar Heels need a balanced scoring attack to have any shot at beating Duke on Saturday.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC-Virginia Tech basketball March 4 Five Takeaways
