It will be a showdown between two exceptional defenses when the 19th-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (10-2, 2-0 ACC) square off with the Virginia Tech Hokies (10-3, 1-1 ACC) at John Paul Jones Arena. Action begins at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 4, 2020.
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Virginia Cavaliers ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Cavaliers were victorious over the Navy Midshipmen 65-56, while the Hokies easily got past the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks 92-37.
Virginia Tech played a perfect game. They had a fantastically low turnover percentage of 2.4 (better than their season average of 13.6) and a free throw rate of 0.222 (above their season average of 0.156). For those same stats, Maryland Eastern Shore had marks of 18.6 and 0.034, respectively. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, had a fantastic effective field goal percentage of 0.617 (above their season average of 0.448) and had a turnover percentage of 13.5 (better than their season average of 18.5). Kihei Clark fueled Virginia with 10 points and 13 assists. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, was lifted by Landers Nolley II, who finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
The Cavaliers dominated this series last year, winning both games. In the most recent contest, Virginia won 64-58. Virginia was lights out from beyond the arc (11-27; 40.7 percent). Virginia Tech, on the other hand, had a much better turnover percentage (11.2 vs. 19.0). This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Half-court execution will be at a premium when two of the country’s slowest-paced teams face off. Virginia currently ranks 348th in possessions per game (59.3) and Virginia Tech is 324th (65.9). Furthermore, the 23rd-ranked offense of the Hokies (offensive efficiency of 112.6) will clash against the top-ranked defense of the Cavaliers (defensive efficiency of 79.6).
Virginia Tech Hokies at Virginia Cavaliers Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Virginia Tech, ATS Winner – Virginia Tech, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Virginia Tech ranks 27th in three pointers attempted per game (27.3) while Virginia ranks 217th (19.2).
- The Cavaliers rank 10th in rebounds allowed per game (29.6) while the Hokies rank 117th (34.6).
- Virginia ranks 47th in blocks per game (4.4) while Virginia Tech ranks 108th (3.2).
- The Hokies rank 29th in assists per game (16.2) while the Cavaliers rank 210th (10.6).
- Virginia Tech ranks first in steals allowed per game (3.8) while Virginia ranks 114th (6.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.8, down from 7.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Hokies have scored an average of 71.0 points per game (3.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 54.6 points per game (6.5 below their season average).
