CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (Interstat) — A surging North Carolina team looks to solidify its postseason standing when it hosts a Virginia Tech squad seeking a résumé-defining road win on Saturday at the Dean Smith Center.

The Tar Heels (22-6, 12-5 ACC) have won seven of their last nine, most recently edging Louisville 77-74 on Monday behind a career-high 30 points from guard Seth Trimble. Trimble, averaging 20.4 points over his last five games, has emerged as a primary offensive threat for a deep Carolina lineup.

Virginia Tech (18-10, 9-8) arrives after an emphatic 82-63 home win over Wake Forest last Saturday. The Hokies’ fortunes often hinge on the production of forward Tobi Lawal, who is coming off a 17-point, 9-rebound performance against the Demon Deacons. Lawal has recorded four double-doubles in ACC play this season, including a 17-point, 15-rebound effort in a loss at NC State earlier this month.

The matchup presents a stark contrast in consistency. North Carolina has not lost consecutive games all season, responding to a 24-point road loss at NC State on Feb. 17 with two straight wins. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, has alternated wins and losses over its past seven contests, struggling to find a sustained rhythm in conference play.

Defense will be a key focus for the Tar Heels, who rank near the top of the ACC in scoring defense. Containing Lawal in the paint and disrupting the Hokies’ backcourt of Ben Hammond and Neoklis Avdalas, who combined for 29 points and 12 assists against Wake Forest, will be critical.

For the Hokies, a victory in one of the league’s most hostile environments would provide a crucial Quadrant 1 win for their NCAA tournament hopes. They have lost three of their last four road games.

Saturday’s contest is the only regular-season meeting between the teams this season. North Carolina holds a commanding historical advantage in the series.