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The Atlantic Coast’s top team will be on the road when the No. 7 Miami (FL) Hurricanes (24-5) head to Cassell Coliseum to take on the Virginia Tech Hokies (17-13). Action begins at 4:00 pm ET on Saturday, Mar. 5.
The Hokies come into this game on a high note after topping Pittsburgh 65-61 on Wednesday. With 20 points and 10 rebounds, Zach LeDay recorded his ninth double-double this season. The Hurricanes, meanwhile, are coming off a 68-50 win against Notre Dame on Wednesday. Angel Rodriguez led the game in scoring by accumulating 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting.
The Hokies do a great job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank second in the nation in FTA rate (49.3), but Miami (FL) is among the best in the nation at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 14th by allowing a FTA rate of 27.1).
This is the second game of the season between these two teams, with the Hurricanes winning the first matchup 65-49. Davon Reed was a top performer in the victory with 12 points, five rebounds, two assists, one steal, two blocks, and one three-pointer.
The Hokies have gone 17-13 Straight Up (SU) and 15-8-1 Against The Spread (ATS). Over their last 10 games, they have had success covering the spread (7-3).
Across the court, the Hurricanes have 24-5 SU and 18-9-1 ATS records. Most recently, Miami (FL) is 7-3 ATS over the last 10 games. The Hurricanes rank 42nd in the country in road scoring, averaging 75.6 points per game. The Hurricanes are shooting lights out from the foul line so far, with a .753 free throw percentage that ranks 22nd in Division I. Moving on to the Miami (FL) defense, the Hurricanes allow just 65.7 points per game, ranking them 35th in the nation. Teams don’t seem to hit many three-pointers against the Hurricanes, who are 21st in the country in terms of three-point field goals allowed at 169 this season.
Following the Hurricanes’ latest win over Virginia Tech, their SU record is now 8-2 over Virginia Tech in their most recent meetings. The teams are even ATS, with a 5-5 record. Miami (FL) has led in three key areas (field goals, rebounds, and three-pointers) once over the last five matchups. Virginia Tech has never had the edge in all three categories.
Predictions: SU Winner – Mia-Fl, ATS Winner – Mia-Fl
Notes
Virginia Tech averages 73.5 points per game, placing the team just 135th in the nation. Miami (FL) ranks 35th in points allowed, giving up 65.7 points per game.
Virginia Tech scores just 77.2 points per home game (ranked 127th). Miami (FL) ranks 41st in points allowed on the road, giving up 68.8 points.
Miami (FL) won its last game by an 18-point margin. In games decided by a margin of 18 points or more, Virginia Tech is 5-5. Miami (FL) is 7-1 in blowouts this season.
Ranked 13th, the Miami (FL) Hurricanes have an offensive rating of 116.1. The Virginia Tech Hokies rank 111th with a defensive rating of just 102.3.
The Miami (FL) Hurricanes average a field goal percentage of 47.4% this season. The Virginia Tech Hokies have an underachieving record of 4-8 when opponents have a FG% of 47.4% or greater.
The Virginia Tech Hokies and the Miami (FL) Hurricanes both rank higher in average field goal percentage when compared to their effective field goal percentages. Virginia Tech is 215th and 174th in the nation for eFG% and FG% respectively, while Miami (FL) ranks 40th and 35th in these categories.
Miami (FL) ranks 71st in the nation with an assist-to-turnover ratio of 1.25. Virginia Tech is ranked lower at 275th with an A/TO of .92.
On average, Virginia Tech forces a turnover rate of 19.0%. When Miami (FL) turns over the ball at a similar or higher rate, the team has a superb 5-1 record.
