The North Carolina State Wolfpack (12-5, 2-2 ACC) visit Virginia to take on the No. 3 Cavaliers (15-1, 4-0 ACC) in a matchup that pits great offense against tremendous defense. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 14, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Virginia Cavaliers Betting Prediction
The last time the Wolfpack played, they topped the No. 19 Clemson Tigers, 78-77. North Carolina State had a turnover percentage of 5.0 (better than their season average of 14.4). Clemson, meanwhile, had a free throw rate of 0.283 (above their season average of 0.274). North Carolina State was led by Omer Yurtseven, who was the game’s leading scorer with 29 points on 12-for-18 shooting.
The Cavaliers beat the Syracuse Orange in their last game, 68-61. The Cavaliers made 19 of their 22 free throws (86.4 percent) and had a turnover percentage of 10.0 (better than their season average of 13.0). Kyle Guy was the game’s high scorer with 22 points on 6-for-14 shooting.
This matchup figures to be a high-scoring affair as a pair of the NCAA’s best offenses go head-to-head. Virginia ranks 41st with 114.4 points per 100 possessions and North Carolina State is 36th (114.9). Additionally, the Wolfpack rank 41st in turnover percentage (16.5 percent), while the Cavaliers rank 33rd in opponents’ turnover percentage (22.9 percent).
North Carolina State holds records of 12-5 straight up (SU) and 5-5 against the spread (ATS). Wolfpack games tend to go over the total (70.0 percent).
Meanwhile, Virginia is 15-1 SU and 9-4 ATS. Unlike North Carolina State, Cavaliers games have typically gone under the total (69.2 percent).
After the Cavaliers won the sole game against the Wolfpack last season, 70-55, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Cavaliers had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.606 vs. 0.384) and had a better free throw rate (0.277 vs. 0.214).
North Carolina State Wolfpack at Virginia Cavaliers Free Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – North Carolina State, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, North Carolina State is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs.
At home, Virginia is 5-3 ATS with 5 unders and 3 overs.
Virginia ranks 38th in rebounds allowed per game (31.8) while North Carolina State ranks 153rd (35.6).
The Cavaliers rank 17th in blocks allowed per game (2.3) while the Wolfpack rank 129th (4.1).
Virginia ranks first in assists allowed per game (7.9) while North Carolina State ranks 93rd (12.8).
The Cavaliers rank second in steals allowed per game (4.1) while the Wolfpack rank 92nd (6.2).
Betting Trends:
In their last five games, North Carolina State is 2-2 ATS with 3 overs and 1 under.
Virginia is 2-2 ATS with 3 unders and 1 over over their last five games.
The Wolfpack’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.6, down from 10.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 69.6 points per game (1.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 53.6 points per game (0.6 above their season average).
