The Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (1-12) and the No. 10 Virginia Tech Hokies (10-1), who both like to play patient, will battle at Cassell Coliseum. The game can be seen on ACC Network at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 28, 2018.
Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Prediction
The Hawks are trying to rebound after their 68-53 loss to the Georgetown Hoyas in their last outing. Georgetown’s free throw rate was their largest advantage over Maryland Eastern Shore. The Hoyas had a rate of 0.250, while the Hawks posted a mark of 0.079. Bryan Urrutia played well for Maryland Eastern Shore, finishing with 13 points, five rebounds and five assists.
In the Hokies’ previous matchup, they easily got past the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs, 87-59. The Hokies had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (35.5 vs. 15.4) and had a much better turnover percentage (21.9 vs. 34.8). Nickeil Alexander-Walker was the game’s leading scorer with 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting from the field.
After the Hokies won the only game against the Hawks last season, 93-40, these teams will battle for the first time this year. The Hokies had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.664 vs. 0.315) and had a much better turnover percentage (8.0 vs. 15.9).
Justin Robinson and Alexander-Walker have played well over the last five games for Virginia Tech. Robinson has averaged 0 points per game. Not to be outdone, Alexander-Walker has put up 0 points a game during that span.
Virginia Tech could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their high-powered offense squares off against one of the nation’s worst defenses. The Hokies rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while Maryland Eastern Shore ranks 330th in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Hawks, who rank 330th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.171), could struggle to get to the line against the Hokies, who rank first in opponents’ FTA rate (0.124).
Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks at Virginia Tech Hokies ATS Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Virginia Tech, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Virginia Tech ranks 14th in rebounds allowed per game (29.9) while Maryland Eastern Shore ranks 237th (40.7).
The Hokies rank 19th in assists per game (17.5) while the Hawks rank 226th (9.6).
Virginia Tech ranks 70th in three pointers attempted per game (25.1) while Maryland Eastern Shore ranks 235th in three pointers allowed per game (27.5).
The Hokies rank 29th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Hawks rank 94th (6.5).
Bettings Trends:
The Hawks’ average margin of defeat in their last five games has been 27.2, up from 19.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hokies have scored an average of 82.4 points per game (1.2 above their season average) and allowed an average of 60.6 points per game (2.5 above their season average).
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