The No. 16 Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs (23-11), 22-point underdogs, square off against the No. 1 Virginia Cavaliers (29-3) in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament at Colonial Life Arena. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 129 points and it is scheduled to start at 3:10 p.m. ET on Friday, March 22, 2019.
Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs vs. Virginia Cavaliers ATS Odds
In their last outing, the Cavaliers fell to the 12th-ranked Florida State Seminoles, 69-59, while the Runnin’ Bulldogs defeated the Radford Highlanders, 76-65.
The Runnin’ Bulldogs made 21 of their 28 free throws (75.0 percent) and held the Highlanders to an effective field goal percentage of 0.463 (below their season average of 0.537). Virginia, on the other hand, forced Florida State into a turnover percentage of 19.8 (above their season average of 16.6). Kyle Guy was a key piece for Virginia with 11 points. DJ Laster, meanwhile had a good game for Gardner-Webb, finishing with 32 points and six rebounds.
Of the Runnin’ Bulldogs’ 29 games with betting action, 15 have finished over the O/U total. Gardner-Webb holds records of 23-11 straight up (SU) and 16-12-1 against the spread (ATS).
There does not appear to be a trend for Cavaliers games in regards to the projected point total, as there has been an even split between games finishing over and under. Additionally, Virginia owns records of 29-3 SU and 23-9 ATS.
It might turn into a shootout as two of the NCAA’s premier offenses square off. Virginia ranks fourth with 118.0 points per 100 possessions and Gardner-Webb is 35th (112.9). Additionally, the Runnin’ Bulldogs rank 44th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.274), while the Cavaliers rank 24th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.181).
Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs vs. Virginia Cavaliers Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Virginia ranks 116th in three pointers allowed per game (21.4) while Gardner-Webb ranks 307th (27.3).
- The Cavaliers rank 35th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Runnin’ Bulldogs rank 85th (5.8).
- The Cavaliers rank first in assists allowed per game (8.8) while the Runnin’ Bulldogs rank 179th (13.5).
- Virginia ranks eighth in rebounds allowed per game (29.8) while Gardner-Webb ranks 167th (35.1).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 13.0, down from 16.8 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Runnin’ Bulldogs have scored an average of 74.8 points per game (3.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.0 points per game (5.5 below their season average).
