The No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers (28-2, 17-1 ACC) challenge the Louisville Cardinals (20-12, 10-9 ACC) in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tourney at Barclays Center. The game starts at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 8, 2018, and will air on ESPN.
Louisville Cardinals vs. Virginia Cavaliers ATS Prediction
The last time the Cardinals played, they beat the Florida State Seminoles, 82-74. The Cardinals had a turnover percentage of 11.5 (better than their season average of 15.0) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.587 (above their season average of 0.519). With 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting, Quentin Snider was the top scorer from either team.
The Cavaliers defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in their last contest, 62-57. The Cavaliers had an extraordinarily low turnover percentage of 7.8 (better than their season average of 13.0) and had a free throw rate of 0.300 (above their season average of 0.186). Devon Hall led Virginia in scoring with 17 points on 5-for-10 shooting.
Points could be at a premium in this showdown between two of the nation’s best defenses. Virginia ranks second in defensive efficiency (87.4) and Louisville is 56th (99.1).
The Cavaliers have emerged victorious in both contests against the Cardinals this year, including a close 67-66 victory in their last matchup. Virginia had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 17.9). Louisville, meanwhile, did a terrific job of converting from the charity stripe (22-29; 75.9 percent). Ray Spalding had a standout performance with 16 points and nine rebounds.
Louisville Cardinals vs. Virginia Cavaliers Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Under
Notes
Betting Notes:
Virginia ranks 14th in rebounds allowed per game (30.7) while Louisville ranks 240th (37.1).
The Cavaliers rank second in steals allowed per game (3.9) while the Cardinals rank 122nd (6.1).
Louisville ranks third in blocks per game (6.3) while Virginia ranks 72nd (3.9).
The Cardinals rank 192nd in three pointers attempted per game (20.9) while the Cavaliers rank 256th (19.0).
Virginia leads the nation with 8.6 assists allowed per game while Louisville is 29th with 11.1 assists allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Cardinals have been outscored by an average of 3.8 points in their last five games. For the season, Louisville has defeated opponents by an average of 6.4 points.
During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 63.8 points per game (3.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 52.8 points per game (0.0 above their season average).
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