How It Works
North Carolina Tar Heels vs Virginia Cavaliers — January 24, 2026
85–80
About This Game
North Carolina stormed into Charlottesville and completed a stunning second-half reversal, erasing a 16-point halftime deficit to stun No. 14 Virginia 85-80 and snap the Cavaliers' 11-game home winning streak. The Tar Heels trailed 43-34 at the break, outmatched by Virginia's rebounding dominance and early execution, but flipped the script entirely after halftime. Behind crisp ball movement and efficient offense, Carolina took its first lead since the game's opening moments with 11:57 remaining on a Stevenson dunk at 59-58. When the teams traded baskets down the stretch with the score tied 67-67, the Tar Heels seized control with an 18-9 run over the final 5:25, including crucial three-point plays from Stevenson and Trimble that iced the victory. Caleb Wilson's 20 points anchored the win, while Jarin Stevenson's 17 second-half points provided the decisive punch. Virginia's Thijs DeRidder matched Wilson with 20 points and 7 rebounds, but UNC's four turnovers to Virginia's 11 and 10 three-pointers proved to be the difference in this showcase ACC road victory. Watch every possession of this dramatic comeback unfold with a Gameprint—custom wall art that captures all 298 plays of this thrilling rally.
Game highlights: North Carolina's four turnovers vs. Virginia's 11 set the tone down the stretch; UNC's 10 three-pointers against Virginia's eight provided early offensive weaponry; The Tar Heels outscored Virginia 18-9 over the final 5:25 to complete the comeback; Caleb Wilson and Jarin Stevenson combined for 37 points, with Stevenson scoring all 17 in the second half; Virginia's 49-rebound advantage proved insufficient despite shooting 21 field goals to UNC's 20.
Summary written with AI from the official play-by-play.
A Gift for Every Game
The best gifts for college basketball fans aren’t generic team merch — they’re personal. A Gameprint of North Carolina Tar Heels vs Virginia Cavaliers captures a specific game that means something: a rivalry win, a season to remember, a night at the arena. Perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
Were you there? If you or a friend went to this game, a Gameprint turns that memory into a lasting keepsake — the exact game you watched live, every play on your wall. There’s a gift for every game you’ve ever been to.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did North Carolina Tar Heels play Virginia Cavaliers?
North Carolina Tar Heels played Virginia Cavaliers on January 24, 2026 at John Paul Jones Arena.
What was the final score of North Carolina Tar Heels vs Virginia Cavaliers?
The final score was North Carolina Tar Heels 85, Virginia Cavaliers 80.
What does the North Carolina Tar Heels vs Virginia Cavaliers Gameprint show?
Every possession — made shots, threes, free throws, misses and turnovers — from the official play-by-play of this game, laid out in order from tip-off to the final whistle, in your choice of team colors.
Is this a good gift for a North Carolina Tar Heels or Virginia Cavaliers fan?
Yes — a Gameprint of North Carolina Tar Heels vs Virginia Cavaliers is a one-of-a-kind gift. Unlike generic team merchandise, it captures a specific game they actually care about. Popular for birthdays, graduations, Father’s Day, and holiday gifts.
Can I gift this to someone who was at the game?
Absolutely. If a friend or family member attended North Carolina Tar Heels vs Virginia Cavaliers, a Gameprint turns that memory into wall art — the actual plays from the game they watched live. Customize the colors to make it personal.
Sizes, framing, shipping and color options: see the Gameprints FAQ.
North Carolina vs Virginia in numbers
- 4 lead changes
- 4 times tied
- 16-point largest lead (Virginia)
- 10–0 run, the longest of the game (Virginia)
- 18 made threes (North Carolina 10, Virginia 8)
- 29 made free throws (North Carolina 15, Virginia 14)
North Carolina came back from 16 points down to win 85–80.
Counted from the play-by-play behind this print — every possession on the poster is one of these plays.
