Expect a defensive struggle when the Virginia Cavaliers (15-6, 7-4 ACC) take on the fifth-ranked Louisville Cardinals (20-3, 11-1 ACC) at KFC Yum! Center. Action gets underway at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 8, 2020, and can be seen on ESPN.
Virginia Cavaliers at Louisville Cardinals Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Cardinals defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 86-76, while the Cavaliers beat the Clemson Tigers 51-44.
Virginia dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.217 (above their season average of 0.188) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.446 (below their season average of 0.453). Clemson had marks of 0.077 and 0.385, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Louisville played a nearly flawless game. They had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.480 (above their season average of 0.232) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.620 (above their season average of 0.536). Wake Forest was 0.233 and 0.517, respectively, for those same stats. Louisville rallied around Dwayne Sutton, who contributed 15 points and 11 rebounds. Meanwhile, Braxton Key played a pivotal role for Virginia with 19 points and eight rebounds.
The Cavaliers dominated this series last year, securing victories in both games. In the last matchup, Virginia won 73-68. The Cavaliers’ 5.7 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over the Cardinals, who had a mark of 13.6. This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses as Louisville ranks 12th in offensive efficiency and Virginia is first in defensive efficiency.
Virginia Cavaliers at Louisville Cardinals Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Louisville, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Louisville ranks 59th in assists per game (14.5) while Virginia ranks 228th (11.3).
- The Cardinals rank 169th in three pointers attempted per game (21.3) while the Cavaliers rank 237th (19.2).
- The Cardinals rank 33rd in rebounds per game (39.4) while the Cavaliers rank 161st (35.5).
- Virginia ranks 40th in blocks per game (4.4) while Louisville ranks 129th (3.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 58.2 points per game (4.7 above their season average) and allowed an average of 54.8 points per game (6.7 above their season average).
- The Cardinals’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.8, up from 12.9 for the season.
