Virginia (5-3) vs. SMU (7-2)
December 7, 2024 2:15 pm EDT
The Line: SMU -10.5; Over/Under: +135.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article, we will formulate an SMU vs Virginia prediction for this College Basketball game on Saturday, December 7th at Moody Coliseum in Dallas, Texas. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
SMU Mustangs Betting Preview
The SMU Mustangs are 7-2 this season after they defeated Alabama State by a score of 101-72 in their last game. SMU led 49-39 at the half and they scored 52 points in the second half for the blowout win. The Mustangs shot 47.8% from the field, 34.5% on three-pointers, and 73.5% on free throws in the game. Kario Oquendo led SMU with 20 points and two rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Mustangs defeated Washington State by a score of 77-60 and Cal Baptist by a score of 79-77. SMU has scored 88.3 points per game and they have allowed 71.8 points per game, while also averaging 43.3 rebounds and 16.4 assists per game this season. Boopie Miller is averaging 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game, while SMU is shooting 48.1% from the field, 74.7% on free throws, and 37.5% on three-pointers this year.
Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Virginia Cavaliers are 5-3 this year after they lost to Florida by a score of 87-69 in their last game. Virginia only trailed 39-35 at halftime, but they allowed 48 points in the second half in the loss. The Cavaliers shot 45.6% from the field, 38.1% on three-pointers, and 90% on free throws in the game. Elijah Saunders led UVA with 19 points and five rebounds in the loss.
Prior to that game, the Cavaliers defeated Holy Cross by a score of 67-41 and Manhattan by a score of 74-65. Virginia has scored 63 points per game and they have allowed 62.3 points per game, while also averaging 32.1 rebounds and 14.4 assists per game this season. Isaac McKneely is averaging 13.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game, while Virginia is shooting 44.9% from the field, 71.4% on free throws, and 38.7% on three-pointers this year.
Why SMU will beat Virginia
- SMU has won eight of its last nine day games at Moody Coliseum (Dallas).
- SMU has won the first half in each of its last six games at Moody Coliseum (Dallas) against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- SMU ranks T8th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (43.3).
- SMU ranks 10th among Division 1 teams for points per game this season (88.3).
- Virginia ranks 364th among Division 1 teams for pace this season (60.7).
- Virginia ranks T2nd among Division 1 teams for opponent free throws made per game this season (8.1).
SMU vs Virginia Prediction
SMU comes into this game looking for their fourth win in a row, and they are scoring over 88 points per game to start this season. The Mustangs do have losses to Butler and Mississippi State, and they have not beaten anyone good, so it is tough to tell how good this team is. Virginia has three blowout losses against Tennessee, St. John’s, and Florida, but they do have a decent win over Villanova. Virginia might have a great defense, but I can’t trust their offense to score at all. Take SMU to cover at home.
