The No. 4 Virginia Cavaliers (11-0) try to stay unbeaten when they square off against the Marshall Thundering Herd (7-5) at John Paul Jones Arena. The game starts at 1 p.m. ET on Monday, December 31, 2018, and will air on ACC Network.
Marshall Thundering Herd at Virginia Cavaliers Free Prediction
The Thundering Herd will be looking for a similar result after blowing out the Eastern Kentucky Colonels in their last outing, 105-77. Marshall’s effective field goal percentage was their biggest advantage over Eastern Kentucky. The Thundering Herd had a rate of 0.553, while the Colonels posted a mark of 0.344. Marshall was lifted by C.J. Burks, who was the top scorer from either team with 30 points on 12-for-15 shooting.
The last time the Cavaliers played, they easily got past the Towson Tigers, 73-42. The Cavaliers had a much better turnover percentage (7.5 vs. 20.9) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.574 vs. 0.366). With 13 points and 10 rebounds, Virginia’s De’Andre Hunter played well.
Based on historical performance heading into this one, ball security could play a significant role in this showdown. Virginia commits the second-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 13.1 percent), while the ball-hawking defense of Marshall forces the 50th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.7 percent). It will also be a battle of contrasting styles as the fast-breaking Thundering Herd rank 11th in possessions per game, while the more methodical Cavaliers rank 348th.
Marshall Thundering Herd at Virginia Cavaliers Odds Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Marshall, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Virginia ranks 12th in rebounds allowed per game (29.6) while Marshall ranks 230th (40.0).
The Thundering Herd rank 19th in three pointers attempted per game (28.5) while the Cavaliers rank 184th (20.8).
Virginia ranks third in steals allowed per game (4.2) while Marshall ranks 121st (7.0).
The Thundering Herd rank 38th in blocks per game (4.7) while the Cavaliers rank 130th (2.6).
Virginia ranks second in assists allowed per game (8.4) while Marshall ranks 79th (12.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Thundering Herd’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.4, up from 1.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 77.2 points per game (4.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 50.0 points per game (0.3 below their season average).
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