The Vanderbilt Commodores (2-2) and the Virginia Cavaliers (4-0) face off in the Preseason NIT at Barclays Center. Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 23, 2017, and it can be seen on ESPNU.
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Vanderbilt Commodores Odds Preview
In the Cavaliers last matchup, they easily got past the Monmouth Hawks, 73-53. DeAndre Hunter was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 8-for-10 shooting. Virginia played a nearly perfect game. They had a turnover percentage of 11.9 (better than their season average of 13.2) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.560 (below their season average of 0.600). Monmouth recorded marks of 19.4 and 0.396, respectively, for those same stats.
The Commodores are trying to rebound after their 93-89 loss to the No. 10 USC Trojans in their last outing. Matthew Fisher-Davis was Vanderbilts leading scorer with 31 points on 9-for-18 shooting. USC had a turnover percentage of 7.5 (better than their season average of 15.0). Vanderbilt, meanwhile, held the Trojans to an offensive rebounding percentage of 14.7 (below their season average of 29.9).
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when two of the nations slowest-paced teams go head-to-head. Vanderbilt ranks 298th in possessions per game (67.0) and Virginia is 348th (60.7) since the 2016-17 season. Moreover, the Cavaliers rank 12th in turnover percentage (15.6 percent), while the Commodores rank 323rd in opponents turnover percentage (16.2 percent).
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Vanderbilt Commodores Betting Prediction
Predictions: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Under
Betting Notes (2016-Present):
- The Cavaliers rank 24th in blocks allowed per game (2.6) while the Commodores rank 56th (2.9).
- Virginia is third in the NCAA with 9.7 assists allowed per game while Vanderbilt is 32nd with 11.2 assists allowed per game.
- Vanderbilt ranks 18th in three pointers attempted per game (25.9) while Virginia ranks 294th (17.7).
- The Cavaliers rank seventh in rebounds allowed per game (30.0) while the Commodores rank 113th (34.3).
- Virginia ranks 188th in steals per game (5.9) while Vanderbilt ranks 288th (4.3).
