It will be a clash between two superb defenses when the 22nd-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies (20-5, 9-4 ACC) clash with the fourth-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (22-2, 10-2 ACC) at Cassell Coliseum. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, February 18, 2019, and will air on ESPN.
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Hokies defeated the Pittsburgh Panthers 70-64, while the Cavaliers beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 60-54.
Virginia played a flawless game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.269 (above their season average of 0.226) and a turnover percentage of 11.9 (better than their season average of 13.1). Notre Dame put up marks of 0.145 and 13.3, respectively, for those same stats. Virginia Tech, meanwhile, played a flawless game. They had an absurd effective field goal percentage of 0.634 (above their season average of 0.578) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 25.0 (below their season average of 30.3). Pittsburgh put up marks of 0.535 and 22.2, respectively, for those same stats. Virginia Tech was lifted by Kerry Blackshear Jr., who recorded 29 points and nine rebounds. De’Andre Hunter played a pivotal role for Virginia with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Ty Jerome led the Cavaliers to an 81-59 win. He registered a double-double with 14 points and 12 assists. The Cavaliers’ offensive rebounding percentage was their largest advantage over the Hokies. Virginia had a rate of 38.1, while Virginia Tech posted a mark of 24.0.
The Cavaliers’ Hunter has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 16 points,5.4 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Blackshear Jr. has averaged 14 points,7.6 rebounds,1.6 steals,1.2 blocks during that same time frame for the Hokies.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Virginia Tech takes on the stingy defense of Virginia. The Hokies rank seventh in offensive efficiency, while the Cavaliers are third in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Cavaliers rank 12th in turnover percentage (15.0 percent), while the Hokies rank 21st in opponents’ turnover percentage (23.2 percent).
Virginia Cavaliers at Virginia Tech Hokies Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Virginia ranks 84th in three pointers allowed per game (20.9) while Virginia Tech ranks 274th (26.2).
- The Cavaliers rank 45th in blocks allowed per game (2.7) while the Hokies rank 72nd (3.0).
- Virginia Tech is 24th in the country with 5.1 steals allowed per game while Virginia is 34th with 5.3 steals allowed per game.
- The Cavaliers rank 146th in rebounds per game (35.5) while the Hokies rank 260th (32.1).
- Virginia ranks first in assists allowed per game (8.8) while Virginia Tech ranks 75th (12.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Hokies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.2, down from 14.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 64.4 points per game (7.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 61.4 points per game (7.0 above their season average).
