The Pittsburgh Panthers (12-13, 2-10 ACC) and the 22nd-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies (19-5, 8-4 ACC) clash at Petersen Events Center. The Panthers look to snap their eight-game losing streak. Action begins at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 16, 2019, and can be seen on ACC Network.
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Pittsburgh Panthers ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Panthers lost to the Boston College Eagles, 66-57, while the Hokies defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 76-68.
Virginia Tech played a nearly flawless game. They had a turnover percentage of 12.9 (better than their season average of 16.0) and a free throw rate of 0.245 (above their season average of 0.230). Georgia Tech recorded marks of 18.1 and 0.208, respectively, for those same stats. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, forced Boston College into a turnover percentage of 22.0 (above their season average of 15.6). Jared Wilson-Frame played a key role for Pittsburgh with 12 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Kerry Blackshear Jr. played well for Virginia Tech, putting up 16 points and eight assists.
The Hokies won the lone contest between these two teams last season, 81-67. The Hokies’ 8.2 turnover percentage was their largest advantage over the Panthers, who had a mark of 23.7. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.
Pittsburgh does a great job at getting to the charity stripe. They rank 19th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.294), but Virginia Tech is among the best in the country at keeping opponents off the line (ranking 22nd by allowing a FTA rate of 0.174). Also, the Hokies’ fifth-ranked offense (effective field goal percentage of 0.578) will square off against the Panthers’ 30th-ranked defense (effective field goal percentage allowed of 0.464).
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Virginia Tech, ATS Winner – Virginia Tech, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Virginia Tech ranks ninth in rebounds allowed per game (29.7) while Pittsburgh ranks 246th (37.8).
- The Hokies rank 88th in three pointers attempted per game (24.5) while the Panthers rank 205th in three pointers allowed per game (23.6).
- Pittsburgh ranks 53rd in blocks per game (4.2) while Virginia Tech ranks 78th in blocks allowed per game (3.1).
- The Hokies rank 22nd in assists per game (16.3) while the Panthers rank 208th (12.0).
- Virginia Tech ranks 21st in steals allowed per game (5.0) while Pittsburgh ranks 141st (6.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Panthers have been outscored by an average of 7.2 points in their last five games. For the season, Pittsburgh has defeated opponents by an average of 4.2 points.
- During their last five games, the Hokies have scored an average of 64.0 points per game (11.6 below their season average) and allowed an average of 58.6 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
