The Virginia Tech Hokies (16-6, 5-4 ACC) welcome the Miami Hurricanes (16-5, 5-4 ACC) in a matchup that pits outstanding offense against tremendous defense. Action starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 3, 2018.
Miami Hurricanes at Virginia Tech Hokies ATS Preview
In the Hurricanes last game, they beat the Pittsburgh Panthers, 69-57. With 10 points and 10 rebounds, Anthony Lawrence II played well for Miami. Miami dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a solid free throw rate of 0.309 (above their season average of 0.181) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 39.4 (above their season average of 29.0). For those same stats, Pittsburgh put up marks of 0.057 and 13.3, respectively.
The Hokies come in on a high note after defeating the Boston College Eagles in their last matchup, 85-80. Virginia Tech received a boost from Kerry Blackshear Jr. who led the team in scoring with 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting. The Hokies forced 16 turnovers and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.522 vs. 0.500).
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Virginia Tech takes on the elite defense of Miami. The Hokies rank 15th in offensive efficiency, while the Hurricanes are 18th in defensive efficiency.
Both teams have had a player trending in the right direction over their last five games. For the Hurricanes, it’s been Lonnie Walker IV, who has averaged 19.0 points and 1.8 steals, while the Hokies have gotten solid contributions from Justin Robinson (18.6 points and 5.4 assists).
This is the first time these teams will meet this year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Hokies won the last matchup 66-61. Virginia Tech had a much better free throw rate (0.486 vs. 0.245). Miami, meanwhile, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (17.9 vs. 4.5).
Miami Hurricanes at Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Prediction
Free Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Miami, ATS Winner – Miami, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Virginia Tech ranks 12th in assists per game (17.6) while Miami ranks 140th (13.8).
- The Hurricanes rank 56th in blocks per game (4.2) while the Hokies rank 125th in blocks allowed per game (3.7).
- Miami averages 21.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 179th in the NCAA. Virginia Tech ranks 219th in three pointers allowed per game (24.1).
Betting Trends:
- The Hokies average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.8, down from 11.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Hurricanes have scored an average of 80.4 points per game (5.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 79.8 points per game (14.6 above their season average).
