Just a week ago, the North Carolina Tar Heels suffered their second-straight loss and fell to 2-3 in the ACC after a loss at Cal. The Tar Heels looked awful in their two-game road trip out West with losses at Stanford and Cal.
Now, they are 4-3 in the ACC after a win over Notre Dame then a comeback win over Virginia on the road today. The win over Virginia was the first win on the road in the ACC this season, doing so after rallying from 16 points down with a big second half.
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This is the type of win that can really change the trajectory of your season. For the Tar Heels, they are hoping it helps solves some issues they have had and build momentum moving forward. Here are some instant takeaways from Saturday’s win over the Cavaliers.
A tale of two halves for North Carolina
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – JANUARY 24: Head coach Hubert Davis of the North Carolina Tar Heels reacts to a play in the first half of a game against 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 likely would have thought the Tar Heels were blown out. Virginia took a 16-point lead in the first half but a late flurry of points helped the Tar Heels cut it down to 43-34. Getting it to single digits was huge for the Tar Heels doing so with a three from Luka Bogavac and then Derek Dixon.
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It gave UNC some momentum.
The Tar Heels opened up the second half on a 21-13 run to pull to within one. They eventually took the lead in that second half, grabbing a five-point advantage. Although Virginia battled back and took the lead, UNC was able to seal the deal with some big buckets late from Jarin Stevenson. They outsocred the Cavaliers 51-37 in that second half, getting that big win.
Jarin Stevenson was a BIG factor
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – JANUARY 24: Jarin Stevenson #15 of the North Carolina Tar Heels celebrates a three-point shot in front of Johann Gruenloh #17 of the Virginia Cavaliers in 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)
That second half surge was sparked by Jarin Stevenson. The wing scored 17 points, all in the second half, to help lead the Tar Heels to the win. He hit some big shots late, including both of his three-pointers. Stevenson was 6-of-9 from the field and made all three free throws as a big spark off of the bench.
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While he didn’t score in that first half, Stevenson was fantastic for the Tar Heels in the final 20 minutes. Without him, UNC doesn’t win the game. He didn’t do it just with offense, either.
Stevenson was really good on defense and also brought that energy to the lineup. It was something that UNC needed at a key time and the former Alabama stand out delivered.
Derek Dixon needs to be the point guard the rest of the way
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA – JANUARY 24: Derek Dixon #3 of the North Carolina Tar Heels drives past Dallin Hall #30 of the Virginia Cavaliers in 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)
The tradition of great point guard play at North Carolina is well-known. On Saturday, freshman Derek Dixon had a really damn good game and proved he should be the starter at the position the rest of the year. Dixon played 33 minutes, scoring just 11 points but he dished out seven assists.
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Check out this pass, which reminded UNC fans a lot of Kendall Marshall:
North Carolina’s offense was much better with him on the floor compared to the struggles they had with Kyan Evans. While Evans entered the year as the starter, it’s clear that Dixon is the go-to guy now and he can really unlock a lot of things with this offense moving forward.
This article originally appeared on Tar Heels Wire: UNC Basketball: Instant takeaways from win Virginia
