The Virginia Tech Hokies (21-10, 10-8 ACC) and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (19-13, 9-10 ACC) go head-to-head in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tourney at Barclays Center. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 7, 2018, and it can be seen on ESPN2.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Preview
The Fighting Irish won a close one over the Pittsburgh Panthers in their last matchup, 67-64. Bonzie Colson was the game’s leading scorer with 19 points on 5-for-14 shooting. Notre Dame dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a fantastic free throw rate of 0.491 (above their season average of 0.237) and a turnover percentage of 8.3 (better than their season average of 13.1). For those same stats, Pittsburgh was 0.115 and 10.8, respectively.
In the Hokies’ last matchup, they were topped by the Miami (FL) Hurricanes, 69-68. Justin Robinson was the game’s high scorer with 18 points on 6-for-10 shooting. Miami (FL) forced the Hokies into a turnover percentage of 20.7 (above their season average of 15.2). Virginia Tech, meanwhile, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 33.3 (above their season average of 23.6).
It might turn into a high-scoring affair as two of the nation’s top offenses face off. Virginia Tech currently ranks 29th with 114.3 points per 100 possessions and Notre Dame is 36th (113.7).
These teams have already met once this season. The Hokies won 80-75. Virginia Tech was lights out from beyond the arc (14-25; 56.0 percent). Notre Dame, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.5 vs. 20.0). John Mooney played a big role with 15 points and 11 rebounds.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Virginia Tech Hokies Prediction
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Notre Dame, ATS Winner – Notre Dame, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- The Fighting Irish rank 94th in blocks per game (3.7) while the Hokies rank 166th in blocks allowed per game (3.8).
- Notre Dame allows the 25th-fewest steals per game (5.0) while Virginia Tech ranks 54th (5.4).
- Notre Dame averages 23.0 three pointers per game, which ranks 117th in the nation. Virginia Tech ranks 288th in three pointers allowed per game (25.6).
- The Hokies average 16.5 assists per game, which ranks 21st in the NCAA. The Fighting Irish rank 184th in assists allowed per game (13.9).
- Notre Dame ranks 106th in rebounds per game (36.3) while Virginia Tech ranks 235th (33.2).
Bettings Trends:
- The Hokies’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.0, down from 8.4 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Fighting Irish have scored an average of 69.4 points per game (5.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.0 points per game (2.2 below their season average).
