The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (10-3) head to Virginia Tech to take on the No. 10 Hokies (11-1) in a matchup that pits great offense against exceptional defense. The game can be seen on ESPNU at 1 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Prediction
In the Fighting Irish’s last game, they topped the UIC Flames, 84-67. Notre Dame was effective at getting and making free throws. The Fighting Irish made 36 of their 38 free throws (94.7 percent), while the Flames were just 13-20 (65.0 percent). Notre Dame was led by Nate Laszewski, who led the team in scoring with 12 points on 3-for-7 shooting.
The Hokies won big over the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs in their last matchup, 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 top scorer from either team with 21 points on 8-for-15 shooting from the field.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. The Fighting Irish won the last contest 71-65. Notre Dame made good use of their 25 trips to the free throw line, converting on 21 of them (84.0 percent). Virginia Tech, on the other hand, was just 7-9 (77.8 percent).
Justin Robinson and Alexander-Walker have been playing 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.
This showdown figures to be a high-scoring affair as two of the country’s top offenses square off. Virginia Tech currently ranks second with 122.9 points per 100 possessions and Notre Dame is 52nd (113.2). Furthermore, the Fighting Irish rank fourth in turnover percentage (13.4 percent), while the Hokies rank sixth in opponents’ turnover percentage (25.4 percent).
Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Virginia Tech, ATS Winner – Virginia Tech, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Virginia Tech ranks fifth in rebounds allowed per game (28.8) while Notre Dame ranks 204th (38.2).
The Fighting Irish average 25.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 53rd in the NCAA. The Hokies rank 210th in three pointers allowed per game (25.3).
Notre Dame ranks ninth in blocks per game (5.9) while Virginia Tech ranks 122nd (2.8).
The Hokies rank 15th in assists per game (17.9) while the Fighting Irish rank 92nd (14.5).
Virginia Tech is 19th in the country with 4.9 steals allowed per game while Notre Dame is 20th with 4.9 steals allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Fighting Irish’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 12.2, up from 10.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hokies have scored an average of 82.4 points per game (0.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 60.6 points per game (4.0 above their season average).
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