The Virginia Cavaliers (6-0) are off to a hot start and will try to stay unbeaten when they take on the Wisconsin Badgers (3-3) at John Paul Jones Arena. Virginia is an 8-point favorite on the opening line, while the games Over/Under (O/U) opened at 120.5 points. Tip-off is set for 9 p.m. ET on Monday, November 27, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN2.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Badgers won big over the Milwaukee Panthers in their last game, 71-49. Brad Davison was the top scorer from either team with 19 points on 7-for-8 shooting. Wisconsin played a flawless game. They had a free throw rate of 0.130 (below their season average of 0.247) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 40.0 (above their season average of 23.6). Milwaukee put up marks of 0.039 and 21.9, respectively, for those same stats.
The last time the Cavaliers played, they beat the Rhode Island Rams, 70-55. Virginia received a boost from Isaiah Wilkins, who was the games high scorer with 19 points on 7-for-9 shooting. Virginia dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.413 (above their season average of 0.242) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 21.7 (below their season average of 23.9). Rhode Island recorded marks of 0.140 and 12.5, respectively, for those same stats.
This matchup figures to be low-scoring as two of the NCAA’s best defenses battle. Virginia ranks third in defensive efficiency (91.5) and Wisconsin is 29th (96.5) since the 2016-17 season. Additionally, the Badgers rank 46th in turnover percentage (16.7 percent), while the Cavaliers rank 47th in opponents turnover percentage (21.0 percent).
Of Wisconsin’s 5 games that accepted bets, two have finished over the O/U total, while 4 of Virginia’s 6 games have finished under the projected point total. Looking at straight up (SU) and against the spread (ATS) records, the Cavaliers have a clear advantage. They are 6-0 SU and 5-1 ATS, while the Badgers are 3-3 SU and 2-3 ATS.
Wisconsin Badgers vs. Virginia Cavaliers Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Wisconsin, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Cavaliers are 14th in the nation with 4.8 steals allowed per game while the Badgers are 45th with 5.2 steals allowed per game.
- Virginia ranks second in assists allowed per game (9.6) while Wisconsin ranks eighth (10.2).
- Wisconsin ranks 123rd in rebounds per game (36.6) while Virginia ranks 295th (32.9).
- The Badgers rank 159th in three pointers attempted per game (21.4) while the Cavaliers rank 297th (17.6).
- Virginia ranks 25th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while Wisconsin ranks 75th (3.0).
