The No. 2 Virginia Cavaliers (17-1, 6-0 ACC) will attempt to lengthen their nine-game winning streak against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-10, 1-5 ACC) at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 21, 2018, and will air on ESPNU.
Virginia opened as a 9-point favorite, while the Over/Under (O/U) for the game has been set at 126.5 points.
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons ATS Prediction
The last time the Cavaliers played, they topped the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 64-48. The Cavaliers forced 18 turnovers and held the Yellow Jackets to an offensive rebounding percentage of 26.9 (below their season average of 32.3). With 17 points on 7-for-9 shooting, De’Andre Hunter was the game’s high scorer.
The Demon Deacons were beaten by the North Carolina State Wolfpack in their last matchup, 72-63. North Carolina State’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Wake Forest. The Wolfpack had a rate of 0.210 (below their season average of 0.265), while the Demon Deacons posted a mark of 0.138 (below their season average of 0.255). With 15 points and 10 rebounds, Doral Moore had a good performance for Wake Forest.
Wake Forest might have trouble finding the bottom of the net as they go head-to-head against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Virginia ranks second in defensive efficiency while the Demon Deacons rank 122nd in offensive efficiency.
Virginia holds records of 17-1 straight up (SU) and 11-4 against the spread (ATS). Cavaliers games have typically finished under the O/U total (73.3 percent).
Meanwhile, Wake Forest owns records of 8-10 SU and 6-10 ATS. Coinciding with Virginia, games including the Demon Deacons also tend to go under the total (68.8 percent).
Bryant Crawford has averaged 18.2 points and 4.8 assists over the last five games for Wake Forest.
After the Cavaliers won the sole contest against the Demon Deacons last season, 79-62, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. The Cavaliers knocked down 18 of their 24 free throws (75.0 percent) and had a better turnover percentage (12.4 vs. 15.8).
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Wake Forest Demon Deacons Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Wake Forest, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
On the road, Virginia is 5-1 ATS with 5 unders and 1 over.
At home, Wake Forest is 3-4 ATS with 4 overs and 3 unders.
Virginia ranks first in assists allowed per game (8.0) while Wake Forest ranks 184th (14.8).
The Cavaliers rank 73rd in three pointers allowed per game (20.3) while the Demon Deacons rank 234th (24.6).
Wake Forest ranks 120th in rebounds per game (36.5) while Virginia ranks 250th (32.9).
The Cavaliers rank sixth in steals allowed per game (4.4) while the Demon Deacons rank 105th (6.4).
Virginia ranks 23rd in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Wake Forest ranks 65th (3.1).
Bettings Trends:
In their last five games, Virginia is 4-1 ATS with 4 unders and 1 over.
Wake Forest is 1-4 ATS with 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games.
The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.6, down from 17.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Demon Deacons have scored an average of 70.6 points per game (5.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 77.6 points per game (3.6 above their season average).
