The 23rd-ranked North Carolina State Wolfpack (22-10, 10-9 ACC) clash with the second-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (28-2, 16-2 ACC) in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tourney at Spectrum Center. The game starts at 12:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 14, 2019, and will air on ESPN.
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Virginia Cavaliers Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Cavaliers defeated the Louisville Cardinals 73-68, while the Wolfpack won a close one over the Clemson Tigers 59-58.
North Carolina State dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.125 (matching their season average) and a turnover percentage of 11.8 (better than their season average of 15.1). Clemson was 0.081 and 15.5, respectively, for those same stats. Virginia, on the other hand, played a nearly flawless game. They had a phenomenally low turnover percentage of 5.7 (better than their season average of 13.2) and a free throw rate of 0.263 (above their season average of 0.223). Louisville put up marks of 13.6 and 0.232, respectively, for those same stats. Ty Jerome had a good outing for Virginia with 24 points and six assists. Markell Johnson, meanwhile led the way for North Carolina State, finishing with 23 points.
This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Virginia currently ranks fourth in offensive efficiency and North Carolina State is 55th in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Wolfpack rank 289th in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.202), while the Cavaliers rank 18th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.176).
North Carolina State Wolfpack vs. Virginia Cavaliers Free Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- North Carolina State ranks 48th in steals per game (7.5) while Virginia ranks 184th (5.6).
- The Cavaliers rank first in assists allowed per game (8.8) while the Wolfpack rank 108th (12.5).
- North Carolina State ranks 21st in three pointers allowed per game (18.9) while Virginia ranks 127th (21.6).
- The Wolfpack rank 31st in rebounds per game (38.6) while the Cavaliers rank 164th (35.2).
- Virginia averages 4.0 blocks per game, which ranks 61st in the NCAA. North Carolina State ranks 178th in blocks allowed per game (4.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 74.0 points per game (1.9 above their season average) and allowed an average of 54.6 points per game (0.0 above their season average).
- The Wolfpack’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.0, down from 10.3 for the season.
