The No. 4 Virginia Cavaliers (14-0, 2-0 ACC) are off to a hot start and will try to remain undefeated when they take on the Clemson Tigers (10-5, 0-2 ACC) at Littlejohn Coliseum. The game will air on ACC Network at 12 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 12, 2019.
Virginia Cavaliers at Clemson Tigers ATS Prediction
In the Cavaliers’ last outing, they thoroughly outplayed the Boston College Eagles, 83-56. The Cavaliers held the Eagles to an offensive rebounding percentage of 15.4 (below their season average of 28.7). The Eagles had a free throw rate of 0.088 (below their season average of 0.332). Mamadi Diakite led the way for Virginia, contributing 18 points and seven rebounds.
The Tigers were beaten by the No. 25 Syracuse Orange in their last game, 61-53. Syracuse’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Clemson. The Orange had a rate of 0.313 (above their season average of 0.293), while the Tigers posted a mark of 0.189 (below their season average of 0.270). Clemson’s Marcquise Reed put together a solid game, leading both teams in scoring with 16 points on 5-for-13 shooting.
Clemson might have trouble scoring as they square off against one of the NCAA’s best defenses. Virginia ranks second in defensive efficiency while the Tigers rank 173rd in offensive efficiency.
After the Cavaliers won both matchups against the Tigers last season, these teams will clash for the first time this year. In the most recent matchup, Virginia won 64-58. The Cavaliers had a much better turnover percentage (11.2 vs. 18.0) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.4 vs. 23.5).
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Clemson Tigers Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Virginia allows the fewest assists per game (7.9) while Clemson ranks 24th (10.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 25.0, up from 22.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Tigers have scored an average of 72.2 points per game (1.1 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.8 points per game (0.2 below their season average).
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