Just a week ago, the North Carolina Tar Heels suffered a losing streak, falling to 2-3 in the ACC after losing to Cal. The Tar Heels looked terrible on their two road trips out West, losing to Stanford and Cal.
They now have a 4-3 record in the ACC after a win over Notre Dame and a road win against Virginia today. The victory over Virginia was the first road win in the ACC this season and came after trailing by 16 points in the second half.
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This kind of win can really change the trajectory of your season. For the Tar Heels, they hope this helps resolve some of the issues they’ve had and build momentum moving forward. Here are some immediate takeaways from Saturday’s win over the Cavaliers.
A tale of two halves of North Carolina
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – JANUARY 24: North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Hubert Davis reacts to the first half against the Virginia Cavaliers at John Paul Jones Arena on January 24, 2026 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
If you stopped watching at halftime, you might have thought the Tar Heels were blown away. Virginia led by 16 points in the first half, but a series of late scores helped the Tar Heels pull within 43-34. It was significant for the Tar Heels to get within single digits, with three-pointers from Luka Bogavac and Derek Dixon each.
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It gives UNC some momentum.
At the beginning of the second half, the Tar Heels went on a 21-13 run to pull within one point. In the end, they took the lead in the second half and gained a 5-point advantage. Although Virginia fought back and took the lead, UNC eventually sealed the game with some big shots from Jalin Stevenson. They defeated the Cavaliers 51-37 in the second half and achieved a big victory.
Jalin Stevenson is a big factor
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – JANUARY 24: Jalin Stevenson #15 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates a three-pointer in front of John Gruenlow #17 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the second half of a game at John Paul Jones Arena on January 24, 2026 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
The second-half outburst was sparked by Jalin Stevenson. The team scored 17 points in the second half to help the Tar Heels win. He hit some key shots in the final seconds, including two three-pointers. Stevenson performed well off the bench, hitting 6 of 9 shots and all three free throws.
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While Stevenson didn’t score in the first half, he was outstanding in the final 20 minutes for the Tar Heels. UNC wouldn’t win games without him. He didn’t do it just to offend, either.
Stevenson played great defense and brought energy to the lineup. It’s something UNC needs in crunch time, and the former Alabama native stands out.
Derrick Dickerson needs to be the point guard the rest of the way
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – JANUARY 24: Derek Dixon #3 of the North Carolina Tar Heels drives past Darrin Hall #30 of the Virginia Cavaliers during the first half of a game at John Paul Jones Arena on January 24, 2026 in Charlottesville, Virginia. (Photo by Ryan M. Kelly/Getty Images)
North Carolina’s tradition of great point guards is well known. Freshman Derek Dixon had a very good game on Saturday and proved he should be the starter the rest of the year. Dixon played 33 minutes and scored only 11 points, but dished out 7 assists.
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Check out this pass that reminds UNC fans of Kendall Marshall:
North Carolina’s offense is much better with him on the floor compared to its struggles with Keon Evans on the floor. While Evans entered the year as the starter, it’s clear that Dickerson is now the go-to guy and he can really unlock a lot with the offense.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Immediate takeaways from winning Virginia
