The fourth-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (12-0), the NCAA’s top scoring defense, will go head-to-head with the ninth-ranked Florida State Seminoles (12-1) at John Paul Jones Arena. The game starts at 3 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 5, 2019, and will air on ESPN2.
Florida State Seminoles vs. Virginia Cavaliers ATS Odds
Both teams won big over their last opponent. The Cavaliers defeated the Towson Tigers 73-42, while the Seminoles beat the Florida Gators 81-60.
The Seminoles had a much better free throw rate (0.500 vs. 0.259) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.594 vs. 0.426). The Cavaliers, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (7.5 vs. 20.9) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.574 vs. 0.366). De’Andre Hunter was a key piece for Virginia with 13 points and 10 rebounds. PJ Savoy led the way for Florida State, contributing 20 points.
The Cavaliers won the sole contest between these two teams last season, 59-55. The Cavaliers’ 9.2 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Seminoles, who had a rate of 17.1. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Ball protection could play a key role in this contest. Virginia commits the fifth-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 13.9 percent), while the pesky defense of Florida State forces the 17th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 24.5 percent). Moreover, the Seminoles are among the NCAA’s best at getting to the line, ranking 47th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.283). The Cavaliers, however, rank 27th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.172).
Florida State Seminoles vs. Virginia Cavaliers Free Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Virginia ranks 17th in three pointers allowed per game (18.3) while Florida State ranks 120th (22.4).
- The Cavaliers are seventh in the nation with 29.1 rebounds allowed per game while the Seminoles are 26th with 31.0 rebounds allowed per game.
- Virginia ranks second in assists allowed per game (8.1) while Florida State ranks 16th (9.9).
- The Seminoles rank 20th in steals per game (8.7) while the Cavaliers rank 96th (6.8).
- Virginia ranks 39th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Florida State ranks 88th (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 77.2 points per game (2.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 50.0 points per game (1.4 below their season average).
- The Seminoles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 17.0, up from 12.9 for the season.
