The nation’s top scoring defense will be at home in John Paul Jones Arena, when the Virginia Cavaliers (14-6, 6-4 ACC) take on the Clemson Tigers (11-10, 5-6 ACC). Action starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 5, 2020.
Clemson Tigers at Virginia Cavaliers ATS Odds
In their last contest, the Cavaliers beat the fifth-ranked Florida State Seminoles, 61-56, while the Tigers lost to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 56-44.
Virginia played a nearly perfect game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.488 (above their season average of 0.175) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (below their season average of 29.5). Florida State was 0.130 and 14.3, respectively, for those same stats. Clemson, on the other hand, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (26.2 vs. 28.2). Mamadi Diakite played well for Virginia with 19 points and nine rebounds. Aamir Simms, meanwhile had a good outing for Clemson, contributing 14 points and eight rebounds.
The Cavaliers won the lone contest between these two teams last season, 63-43. Virginia had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.491 vs. 0.287). Clemson, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (12-17; 70.6 percent). 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 NCAA’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Virginia currently ranks 351st in possessions per game (60.8) and Clemson is 255th (67.9). Furthermore, the Tigers’ 254th-ranked offense (offensive efficiency of 99.0) will face off against the Cavaliers’ top-ranked defense (defensive efficiency of 83.6).
Clemson Tigers vs. Virginia Cavaliers Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Clemson ranks 43rd in three pointers attempted per game (25.9) while Virginia ranks 227th (19.1).
- The Tigers rank 141st in assists per game (13.2) while the Cavaliers rank 235th (11.2).
- Virginia allows the 15th-fewest blocks per game (2.3) while Clemson ranks 29th (2.5).
- The Cavaliers rank 17th in rebounds allowed per game (30.4) while the Tigers rank 140th (35.2).
- Clemson ranks 82nd in steals per game (7.1) while Virginia ranks 178th in steals allowed per game (7.3).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.2, down from 5.3 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 60.4 points per game (6.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (1.9 above their season average).
