UNC Men's Basketball Faces Georgia Tech in Key ACC Matchup

Tar Heels look to build on recent upset win over Virginia as they take on Yellow Jackets

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:31pm

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No. 16 North Carolina will travel to Atlanta to take on Georgia Tech on Saturday afternoon in an important ACC matchup. The Tar Heels are coming off an 85-80 upset victory over then-No. 14 Virginia and will look to build on that momentum, though they have been inconsistent at times this season. Key storylines to watch include which UNC team shows up, the continued improvement of role players like Derek Dixon and Luka Bogavac, and hometown hero Caleb Wilson's return to Atlanta.

Why it matters

This game is a crucial one for North Carolina as they try to establish more consistency and build their NCAA Tournament resume. Georgia Tech has been a tough opponent in the ACC, so a road win would be a big boost for the Tar Heels. Additionally, the development of UNC's role players could be pivotal as they look to make a deep postseason run.

The details

North Carolina has been up-and-down this season, looking dominant at times like in their win over Virginia, but struggling with poor defense and 3-point shooting in other games. Role players like Derek Dixon, Luka Bogavac, and Jarin Stevenson have stepped up recently, providing a nice complement to the Tar Heels' star players. Caleb Wilson, a native of Atlanta, will be playing in front of a hometown crowd for the second time this season after recording a double-double in his previous appearance.

  • North Carolina defeated Virginia 85-80 last week.
  • The Tar Heels will take on Georgia Tech on Saturday, February 4th at 2:00 PM ET.

The players

Hubert Davis

Head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team.

Derek Dixon

North Carolina guard who has been averaging 12 points and 4 assists per game since earning his first start on January 17th.

Luka Bogavac

North Carolina forward who has rediscovered his shooting touch, averaging 10.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game over the last four ACC contests.

Jarin Stevenson

North Carolina forward who has had two strong performances off the bench, scoring 17 points against Virginia and 8 points against Notre Dame.

Caleb Wilson

North Carolina forward who is from Atlanta and recorded a double-double the last time he played in his hometown.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.