Don’t expect a fast-paced game when the 20th-ranked Virginia Tech Hokies (20-6, 9-5 ACC) visit Notre Dame to take on the Fighting Irish (13-13, 3-10 ACC). The game starts at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 23, 2019, and will air on ESPN.
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Odds
Both teams lost in their last game. The Fighting Irish fell to the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 75-68, while the Hokies were defeated by the third-ranked Virginia Cavaliers, 64-58.
Virginia Tech forced Virginia into a turnover percentage of 19.0 (above their season average of 13.0) while Notre Dame forced Wake Forest into a turnover percentage of 18.3 (above the 14.1 mark opponents have averaged against Notre Dame this season). Notre Dame received a boost from T.J. Gibbs, who contributed 23 points. Kerry Blackshear Jr. had a solid performance for Virginia Tech, contributing 23 points and 13 rebounds.
In their first matchup this season, Blackshear Jr. led the Hokies to an 81-66 victory. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 21 points. Virginia Tech had a better turnover percentage (10.9 vs. 15.1). Notre Dame, on the other hand, had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (38.9 vs. 13.6).
Half-court execution will be critical when a pair of the nation’s slowest-paced teams square off. Notre Dame ranks 308th in possessions per game (66.3) and Virginia Tech is 342nd (64.1).
Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Odds Pick
Basketball Tip: SU Winner – Notre Dame, ATS Winner – Notre Dame, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Virginia Tech ranks seventh in rebounds allowed per game (29.5) while Notre Dame ranks 272nd (38.5).
- The Hokies rank 31st in assists per game (15.9) while the Fighting Irish rank 158th (13.2).
- Virginia Tech allows the 23rd-fewest steals per game (5.1) while Notre Dame ranks 36th (5.3).
- The Fighting Irish average 26.8 three pointers per game, which ranks 30th in the country. The Hokies rank 269th in three pointers allowed per game (26.2).
- Notre Dame ranks 16th in blocks per game (5.0) while Virginia Tech ranks 180th (2.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Fighting Irish have scored an average of 63.4 points per game (7.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 65.8 points per game (3.4 below their season average).
- The Hokies have been outscored by an average of 1.6 points in their last five games. On the season, Virginia Tech has defeated opponents by an average of 13.5 points.
