In this article, we will formulate a Pittsburgh vs Virginia prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, February 3rd at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Preview
The Pittsburgh Panthers are 14-7 (5-5) this year after they lost to Wake Forest by a score of 76-74 in their last game. Pittsburgh led 36-34 at halftime, but they allowed 42 points in the second half in the loss. The Panthers shot 42.9% from the field, 33.3% on three-pointers, and 100% on free throws in the game. Damian Dunn led Pittsburgh with 24 points and four assists, while Ishmael Leggett added 16 points and seven rebounds in the game.
Prior to that loss, the Panthers defeated North Carolina by a score of 73-65 and Syracuse by a score of 77-73. Pittsburgh has lost five of their last seven games and they are currently eighth in the ACC standings with a 5-5 record. Pittsburgh has scored 79.6 points per game and they have allowed 70.9 points per game, while also averaging 34.1 rebounds and 14.0 assists per game this season. Jaland Lowe is averaging 17.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, while Ishmael Leggett is averaging 16.5 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game this year. Pittsburgh is shooting 46.8% from the field, 79.7% on free throws, and 35.7% on three-pointers this season.
Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Virginia Cavaliers are 10-12 (3-8) this season after they lost to Virginia Tech by a score of 75-74 in their last game. Virginia trailed 38-31 at halftime, but they did score 43 points in the second half in the loss. The Cavaliers shot 48.1% from the field, 34.8% on three-pointers, and 77.8% on free throws in the game. Isaac McKneely led Virginia with 19 points and seven assists, while Andrew Rohde added 12 points and seven assists in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Cavaliers defeated Miami by a score of 82-71 but did lose to Notre Dame by a score of 74-59 before that. Virginia has lost seven of their last nine games and they are currently near the bottom of the ACC standings with a 3-8 record. Virginia has scored 63.3 points per game and they have allowed 65.2 points per game, while also averaging 30.3 rebounds and 14.8 assists per game this season. Isaac McNeely is averaging 13.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, while Andrew Rohde is averaging 8.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game this year. Virginia is shooting 44% from the field, 74.3% on free throws, and 37.3% on three-pointers this season.
Why Pittsburgh will beat Virginia
- Pittsburgh has won each of its last 14 night games at Petersen Events Center.
- Virginia has lost five of its last six road games against the Atlantic Coast Conference.
- Pittsburgh has won the first half in nine of its last 10 night games at Petersen Events Center.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Pittsburgh’s last 16 games at Petersen Events Center has produced a total of 138+ points.
- Each of Virginia’s last four road games against Conference opponents has produced a total of 136+ points.
Pittsburgh vs Virginia Prediction
Pittsburgh comes into this matchup after winning two of their last three games and they will be at home for this contest. The Panthers are shooting 46.8% from the field this year and they are scoring nearly 80 points per game. Pittsburgh has had some issues on defense, but they should contain this low-scoring Virginia offense. The Cavaliers haven’t had much luck in conference play this season and they are scoring just 63.3 points per game this year, but they have scored at least 74 points in four straight games. Virginia has been shooting the three-point shot very well recently, but I can’t back their offense on the road against a desperate Pittsburgh team. Take the Panthers to cover at home.