Don’t expect a fast-paced game when the Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks (1-12) travel to 10th-ranked Virginia Tech to take on the Hokies (10-1). The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Friday, December 28, 2018, and will air on ACC Network.
Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks vs. Virginia Tech Hokies ATS Odds
In their last matchup, the Hokies easily got past the Gardner-Webb Runnin’ Bulldogs, 87-59, while the Hawks were beaten by the Georgetown Hoyas, 68-53.
Virginia Tech dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.5 and a turnover percentage of 21.9. Gardner-Webb was 15.4 and 34.8, respectively, for those same stats. Maryland Eastern Shore, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (19.3 vs. 23.9). Virginia Tech rallied around Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who had 21 points, six rebounds and five assists. Bryan Urrutia was a key piece for Maryland Eastern Shore with 13 points, five rebounds and five assists.
The Hokies won the only game between these two teams last season, 93-40. Virginia Tech made 15 of their 27 three pointers (55.6 percent). Maryland Eastern Shore was, on the other hand, just 4-26 (15.4 percent). This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
Justin Robinson and Alexander-Walker have been playing well over the last five games for Virginia Tech. Robinson has averaged 0 points, while Alexander-Walker has recorded 0 points a game during that span.
The high-octane offense of Virginia Tech (fourth in the NCAA with an offensive efficiency of 120.9) will clash against the bottom-tier defense of Maryland Eastern Shore (330th in the NCAA with a defensive efficiency of 112.1). The Hokies should have the edge on that side of the ball. Also, the Hawks, who rank 330th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.171), could have a tough time getting to the line against the Hokies, who rank first in opponents’ FTA rate (0.124).
Maryland Eastern Shore Hawks at Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Virginia Tech, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Virginia Tech ranks 14th in rebounds allowed per game (29.9) while Maryland Eastern Shore ranks 237th (40.7).
- The Hokies rank 29th in steals allowed per game (5.2) while the Hawks rank 94th (6.5).
- The Hokies rank 19th in assists per game (17.5) while the Hawks rank 226th (9.6).
- Virginia Tech averages 25.1 three pointers per game, which ranks 70th in the NCAA. Maryland Eastern Shore ranks 235th in three pointers allowed per game (27.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Hawks have scored an average of 48.2 points per game (7.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 75.4 points per game (0.4 above their season average).
- The Hokies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.8, down from 23.1 for the season.
