The nation’s top scoring defense will be at home in John Paul Jones Arena, when the fourth-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (21-2, 9-2 ACC) face off with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (13-11, 3-8 ACC). The game will air on ACC Network at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 16, 2019.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Virginia Cavaliers ATS Odds
Both teams defeated their last opponent. The Cavaliers defeated the eighth-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels 69-61, while the Fighting Irish beat the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets 69-59.
Notre Dame played a nearly flawless game. They had an extraordinary free throw rate of 0.328 (above their season average of 0.226) and a turnover percentage of 9.6 (better than their season average of 12.4). For those same stats, Georgia Tech was 0.148 and 19.0, respectively. Meanwhile, Virginia’s 0.222 free throw rate was their largest advantage over North Carolina, who had a rate of 0.092. The Cavaliers’ mark was below their season average of 0.226, while the Tar Heels’ was below their season average of 0.245. Virginia received a boost from Ty Jerome, who finished with 15 points and 11 assists. T.J. Gibbs, meanwhile had a good outing for Notre Dame, finishing with 20 points and five assists.
In their first matchup this year, Jerome led the Cavaliers to an 82-55 win. He produced 13 points, nine rebounds and six assists. The Cavaliers’ 2.8 turnover percentage was their largest strength over the Fighting Irish, who had a mark of 9.8.
Half-court execution will be critical when two of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Virginia ranks 350th in possessions per game (61.5) and Notre Dame is 305th (66.7).
Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Virginia Cavaliers ATS Pick
Free Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Notre Dame, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Virginia ranks eighth in rebounds allowed per game (29.6) while Notre Dame ranks 264th (38.7).
- The Fighting Irish rank 15th in blocks per game (5.1) while the Cavaliers rank 87th (3.7).
- Notre Dame allows the 31st-fewest steals per game (5.3) while Virginia ranks 33rd (5.3).
- The Fighting Irish rank 31st in three pointers attempted per game (26.8) while the Cavaliers rank 227th (20.2).
- Virginia ranks first in assists allowed per game (8.8) while Notre Dame ranks 112th (12.8).
Bettings Trends:
- The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 7.2, down from 18.2 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Fighting Irish have scored an average of 62.2 points per game (9.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.8 points per game (2.4 above their season average).
