The NCAA’s top scoring defense will be on the road at KFC Yum! Center, when the third-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (23-2, 11-2 ACC) clash against the 18th-ranked Louisville Cardinals (18-9, 9-5 ACC). The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019, and will air on ACC Network.
Virginia Cavaliers at Louisville Cardinals Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Cardinals were blown out by the Syracuse Orange, 69-49, while the Cavaliers beat the 20th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies, 64-58.
The Cavaliers held the Hokies to an effective field goal percentage of 0.422 (below their season average of 0.580) and had an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (above their season average of 30.9). Louisville, meanwhile, did a great job of making free throws (15-18; 83.3 percent). Louisville’s Jordan Nwora played well, putting up 11 points and six rebounds. Virginia, meanwhile, rallied around Kyle Guy, who contributed 23 points and seven rebounds.
The Cavaliers dominated this series last year, taking all three games. In the most recent contest, Virginia won 75-58. The Cavaliers’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over the Cardinals. Virginia had a rate of 35.7, while Louisville posted a mark of 22.6. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Louisville does a great job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank 13th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.298), but Virginia is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 28th by allowing a FTA rate of 0.182). Moreover, the upper-echelon offense of the Cavaliers ranks 30th in effective field goal percentage (0.550), while the Cardinals are 37th-best in the NCAA at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.469).
Virginia vs. Louisville Odds Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Louisville, ATS Winner – Louisville, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Virginia ranks eighth in rebounds allowed per game (29.7) while Louisville ranks 120th (34.1).
- The Cavaliers rank 50th in steals allowed per game (5.5) while the Cardinals rank 92nd (6.0).
- Louisville averages 24.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 79th in the NCAA. Virginia ranks 96th in three pointers allowed per game (21.2).
- The Cavaliers rank 43rd in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Cardinals rank 110th (3.4).
- Virginia leads the nation with 8.8 assists allowed per game while Louisville is 48th with 11.5 assists allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 64.0 points per game (7.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 60.0 points per game (5.4 above their season average).
- The Cardinals have been outscored by an average of 3.6 points in their last five games. For the season, Louisville has defeated opponents by an average of 8.3 points.
