The nation’s top scoring defense will be at home in John Paul Jones Arena, when the Virginia Cavaliers (12-5, 4-3 ACC) square off with the North Carolina State Wolfpack (13-5, 4-3 ACC). Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, January 20, 2020, and can be seen on ESPN.
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Virginia Cavaliers Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Cavaliers defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 63-58, while the Wolfpack beat the Clemson Tigers 60-54.
The Wolfpack had a solid free throw rate of 0.275 (above their season average of 0.204) and held the Tigers to an effective field goal percentage of 0.425 (below their season average of 0.506). The Cavaliers, meanwhile, had a better free throw rate (0.151 vs. 0.060), while the Yellow Jackets had a turnover percentage of 25.0 (above their season average of 20.4). Virginia received a boost from Jay Huff, who contributed 17 points, eight rebounds and six blocks. Meanwhile, D.J. Funderburk was a key piece for North Carolina State with 13 points and 11 rebounds.
The Cavaliers dominated this series last year, taking both games. In the last game, Virginia won 76-56. Virginia had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.625 vs. 0.418). North Carolina State, meanwhile, had a better offensive rebounding percentage (22.2 vs. 19.2). This is the first time these teams will go head-to-head this year.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the prolific offense of North Carolina State takes on the top-notch defense of Virginia. The Wolfpack rank 58th in offensive efficiency, while the Cavaliers are first in defensive efficiency.
North Carolina State Wolfpack at Virginia Cavaliers Betting Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – North Carolina State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Virginia ranks 17th in rebounds allowed per game (30.4) while North Carolina State ranks 194th (36.4).
- The Wolfpack average 7.6 steals per game, which ranks 68th in the NCAA. The Cavaliers rank 154th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
- Virginia ranks third in assists allowed per game (8.6) while North Carolina State ranks 74th (11.6).
- The Wolfpack rank 115th in three pointers attempted per game (23.1) while the Cavaliers rank 229th (19.4).
- Virginia ranks 11th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while North Carolina State ranks 121st (3.7).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 5.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Wolfpack have scored an average of 68.2 points per game (9.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.6 points per game (1.6 below their season average).
