The No. 8 Virginia Cavaliers (12-1, 1-0 ACC) visit Virginia Tech to take on the Hokies (11-3, 0-1 ACC) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against exceptional defense. The game begins at 9 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 3, 2018.
Virginia opened as a 1.5-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 130.5 points.
Virginia Cavaliers at Virginia Tech Hokies ATS Prediction
The Cavaliers will be looking for similar success after just getting past the Boston College Eagles in their last outing, 59-58. Virginia’s turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Boston College. The Cavaliers had a rate of 12.9 (better than their season average of 13.1), while the Eagles posted a mark of 19.1. Virginia received a boost from Ty Jerome, who was the game’s leading scorer with 31 points on 11-for-17 shooting.
The last time the Hokies played, they fell to the Syracuse Orange, 68-56. One of Syracuse’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 17-20 (85.0 percent), while the Hokies were just 10-18 (55.6 percent). With 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting, Nickeil Alexander-Walker led Virginia Tech in scoring.
This battle pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Virginia Tech ranks 10th in offensive efficiency and Virginia ranks third in defensive efficiency.
Virginia holds records of 12-1 straight up (SU) and 7-3 against the spread (ATS). Of the Cavaliers’ 10 games that accepted bets, seven have finished under the O/U total.
Meanwhile, Virginia Tech owns records of 11-3 SU and 7-3 ATS. Contrary to Virginia, Hokies games have a tendency to finish over the total (66.7 percent).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, the Hokies won 80-78. Virginia Tech did an excellent job of getting to and converting from the charity stripe (20-26; 76.9 percent). Virginia, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (11.6 vs. 19.4).
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Virginia is 3-1 ATS with 3 unders and 1 over.
Virginia Tech is 5-0 ATS at home with 3 overs and 1 under.
Virginia Tech ranks 13th in assists per game (18.4) while Virginia ranks 136th (13.8).
The Cavaliers rank 15th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while the Hokies rank 102nd (3.6).
Virginia is fourth in the NCAA with 4.0 steals allowed per game while Virginia Tech is 51st with 5.5 steals allowed per game.
The Cavaliers are 13th in the NCAA with 30.2 rebounds allowed per game while the Hokies are 57th with 32.6 rebounds allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Virginia is 1-2 ATS with 2 unders and 1 over.
Virginia Tech is 0-2 ATS with 1 over and 1 under over their last five games.
The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.8, down from 18.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hokies have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (14.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 63.0 points per game (7.1 below their season average).
