The fifth-ranked Florida State Seminoles (17-2, 7-1 ACC) will have their hands full against the NCAA’s top scoring defense when they square off against the Virginia Cavaliers (13-6, 5-4 ACC) at John Paul Jones Arena. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 28, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
Florida State Seminoles vs. Virginia Cavaliers ATS Odds
Both teams edged out their last opponent. The Cavaliers defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 65-63, while the Seminoles beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 85-84.
The Seminoles, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 32.3, had an extraordinary mark of 35.3 and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.554 (above their season average of 0.523). Meanwhile, Virginia played a nearly perfect game. They had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 40.9 (above their season average of 28.6) and a turnover percentage of 16.4 (better than their season average of 17.9). For those same stats, Wake Forest put up marks of 35.1 and 18.9, respectively. Tomas Woldetensae played a key role for Virginia with 21 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Trent Forrest had a solid performance for Florida State, contributing 13 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Vassell led the Seminoles to a 54-50 win. He was the game’s leading scorer with 18 points. Florida State out-rebounded Virginia. The Seminoles had more offensive rebounds (12 vs. 5) and total rebounds (31 vs. 29).
The ineffective offense of Virginia will battle against the stingy defense of Florida State. The Cavaliers currently rank 335th in offensive efficiency, while the Seminoles are 44th in defensive efficiency. The Seminoles should have the advantage on that end of the court. Additionally, the Seminoles rank 59th in offensive rebounding percentage (32.4 percent), while the Cavaliers rank 28th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.3 percent).
Florida State Seminoles at Virginia Cavaliers Free Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Florida State averages 9.8 steals per game, which ranks fifth in the NCAA. Virginia ranks 168th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
- Both of these teams are great at blocking the ball. The Seminoles are 14th in the NCAA with 5.6 blocks per game while the Cavaliers are 54th with 4.3 blocks per game.
- The Seminoles rank 107th in assists per game (13.7) while the Cavaliers rank 232nd (11.2).
- Virginia ranks 21st in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while Florida State ranks 84th (33.5).
Bettings Trends:
- The Seminoles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.4, down from 11.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 56.8 points per game (3.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 58.2 points per game (10.3 above their season average).
