The Virginia Cavaliers and UNCG Spartans will face off at John Paul Jones Arena to commence their seasons. The Over/Under (O/U) for the game opened at 130 points with Virginia set as an 18.5-point favorite. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, November 10, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPN 3.
UNCG Spartans at Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview
Virginia made it to the Second Round last season as a five seed in the tournament, where the Florida Gators defeated them. In the regular season, the Cavaliers went 22-10. UNCG, meanwhile, was unable make the tournament following a 25-9 regular season.
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Virginia ranked 348th in possessions per game (60.5) and UNCG was 251st (67.9) in the 2016-17 season. Additionally, the sweet-shooting offense of the Spartans ranked 49th in effective field goal percentage (0.539), while the Cavaliers were 24th-best in the NCAA at effective field goal percentage allowed (0.461).
The Spartans had a solid 25-9 straight up (SU) record last season, but were just 12-14 against the spread (ATS). Of UNCG’s 26 games with betting action last year, 14 finished over the O/U total.
On the other side, the Cavaliers owned records of 22-10 SU and 18-14 ATS last season. Of Virginia’s 32 games that accepted bets last year, 20 finished under the O/U total.
The Cavaliers won the sole contest against the Spartans last season, 76-51. The Cavaliers played a perfect game. They had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 44.0 and a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.320. The Spartans were 22.6 and 0.217, respectively, for those same stats.
UNCG Spartans at Virginia Cavaliers Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – UNCG, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Spartans rank 176th in rebounds per game (35.5) while the Cavaliers rank 276th (32.9).
- Virginia ranks 36th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while UNCG ranks 76th (3.0).
- UNCG ranks 89th in three pointers attempted per game (23.1) while Virginia ranks 285th (17.7).
- The Cavaliers rank 26th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Spartans rank 171st (6.4).
- Virginia ranks fifth in assists allowed per game (9.8) while UNCG ranks 106th (12.6).
