The No. 9 Virginia Tech Hokies (14-1, 3-0 ACC) head to Virginia to take on the No. 4 Cavaliers (15-0, 3-0 ACC) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against superb defense. The game is scheduled to get underway at 8 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 15, 2019.
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Virginia Cavaliers Free Prediction
The last time the Hokies played, they defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 52-49. Virginia Tech out-rebounded Georgia Tech. The Hokies had more offensive rebounds (13 vs. three) and total rebounds (35 vs. 32). Kerry Blackshear Jr. played a key role for Virginia Tech with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Cavaliers won big over the Clemson Tigers in their last matchup, 63-43. Virginia’s 0.491 effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Clemson, who had a mark of 0.287. The Cavaliers’ mark was below their season average of 0.555, while the Tigers’ was below their season average of 0.533. With 12 points and seven rebounds, Virginia’s De’Andre Hunter had a solid game.
This matchup pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Virginia ranks eighth in offensive efficiency and Virginia Tech is fifth in defensive efficiency. Additionally, the Hokies, who rank 266th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.206), will go head-to-head against the Cavaliers, who rank 37th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.181).
After splitting two games last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Hokies won the last game 61-60. Virginia Tech had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.539 vs. 0.434). Virginia, meanwhile, had a much better turnover percentage (5.8 vs. 15.5).
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Virginia Cavaliers Free Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia Tech, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Virginia ranks 31st in three pointers allowed per game (19.1) while Virginia Tech ranks 218th (25.3).
The Hokies rank 18th in assists per game (17.3) while the Cavaliers rank 82nd (14.7).
Virginia ranks 39th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while Virginia Tech ranks 74th (3.1).
The Hokies are 10th in the country with 4.7 steals allowed per game while the Cavaliers are 27th with 5.1 steals allowed per game.
Virginia Tech is sixth in the nation with 29.1 rebounds allowed per game while Virginia is seventh with 29.2 rebounds allowed per game.
Bettings Trends:
The Hokies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 19.2, down from 21.9 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (2.8 above their season average) and allowed an average of 51.0 points per game (0.2 below their season average).
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