The No. 16 Virginia Cavaliers (8-1) welcome the Davidson Wildcats (4-3) to John Paul Jones Arena as they attempt to extend their five-game home winning streak. The game is scheduled to start at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16, 2017.
Davidson Wildcats vs. Virginia Cavaliers Free Prediction
In the Wildcats’ last matchup, they thoroughly outplayed the VMI Keydets, 74-51. The Wildcats held the Keydets to an offensive rebounding percentage of 9.7 (below their season average of 30.4) and had a free throw rate of 0.288 (above their season average of 0.157). With 22 points on 5-for-10 shooting, Jon Axel Gudmundsson was the top scorer from either team.
The Cavaliers fell to the No. 18 West Virginia Mountaineers in their last matchup, 68-61. West Virginia’s turnover percentage was their largest strength over Virginia. The Mountaineers had a rate of 14.7 (worse than their season average of 12.5), while the Cavaliers posted a mark of 20.5 (above their season average of 12.9). Virginia’s Devon Hall had a solid performance, leading the team in scoring with 19 points on 7-for-12 shooting.
Virginia should be expected to protect the ball well in this contest. Since last season, Virginia ranks 14th in the NCAA at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.7 percent), while Davidson has forced the 66th-fewest turnovers (17.4 percent). Additionally, put-back points figure to be few and far between for the Wildcats. They rank 305th in the NCAA in offensive rebounding percentage at 24.9 percent, while the Cavaliers have been 48th-best on the defensive glass (defensive rebounding percentage of 75.4 percent).
Davidson Wildcats vs. Virginia Cavaliers Odds Pick
Predictions: SU Winner – Davidson, ATS Winner – Davidson, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
Davidson ranks 15th in three pointers attempted per game (28.2) while Virginia ranks 227th (17.8).
The Cavaliers rank 10th in rebounds allowed per game (30.0) while the Wildcats rank 176th (36.4).
Virginia ranks second in assists allowed per game (9.5) while Davidson ranks 113th (13.1).
The Cavaliers rank seventh in steals allowed per game (4.7) while the Wildcats rank 113th (6.3).
Virginia ranks fifth in blocks allowed per game (2.5) while Davidson ranks 97th (3.3).