The Virginia Tech Hokies and Virginia Cavaliers meet Saturday in college basketball action at the John Paul Jones Arena. Here’s a Virginia vs. Virginia Tech prediction. This article will include a Virginia vs. Virginia Tech pick.
Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Preview
The Virginia Tech Hokies lost to North Carolina and beat Boston College. Virginia Tech has split its last 6 games.
The Virginia Tech Hokies are averaging 81.4 points on 45.4 percent shooting and allowing 76.8 points on 44.6 percent shooting. Amani Hansberry is averaging 14.4 points and 7.5 rebounds, while Ben Hammond is averaging 12.6 points and 3.2 assists. Neoklis Avdalas is the third double-digit scorer, and Tobi Lawal is grabbing 8.5 rebounds. The Virginia Tech Hokies are shooting 36.1 percent from beyond the arc and 73.8 percent from the free throw line. The Virginia Tech Hokies are allowing 30.2 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 33 rebounds per game.
Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Virginia Cavaliers lost to Duke and beat Wake Forest. Virginia has won 10 of its last 11 games.
The Virginia Cavaliers are averaging 81 points on 46.1 percent shooting and allowing 68.1 points on 39.6 percent shooting. Thijs De Ridder is averaging 16 points and 6.2 rebounds, while Malik Thomas is averaging 11.9 points and 1.7 assists. Sam Lewis is the third double-digit scorer and Chance Mallory is grabbing 3.9 rebounds. The Virginia Cavaliers are shooting 35.5 percent from beyond the arc and 71.3 percent from the free throw line. The Virginia Cavaliers are allowing 30.8 percent shooting from deep and are grabbing 37.2 rebounds per game.
Why the Virginia Cavaliers will win
- Virginia has won each of its last 17 games at John Paul Jones Arena against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Virginia Tech has lost six of its last seven games against AP-ranked opponents at John Paul Jones Arena.
- Virginia has won the first half in each of its last eight March games as a top-15 AP-ranked team against a non-AP-ranked team.
Why the Virginia Tech Hokies will win
- Virginia Tech has won three of its last four games against Virginia.
- Virginia has lost three of its last four day games as a top-15 AP-ranked team.
- Virginia Tech has won the first half in five of its last six games.
Total Points Facts
- Twelve of Virginia Tech’s last 14 road day games against conference opponents have produced a total of 149+ points.
- Twenty-nine of Virginia’s last 34 games against conference opponents at John Paul Jones Arena have produced a total of 145 or fewer points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Virginia ranks 2nd among Division 1 teams for blocks per game this season (6.2).
- Virginia ranks 12th among Division 1 teams for rebounds per game this season (40.9).
- Virginia Tech ranks 24th among Division 1 teams for opponent three-point percentage this season (30.2%).
- Virginia Tech ranks 33rd among Division 1 teams for opponent steals per game this season (5.3).
Virginia vs Virginia Tech Prediction
Virginia is a different beast at home, but this is a lot of points for a rivalry game. Virginia Tech took Virginia to overtime and then won against the Cavs on New Year’s Eve. Virginia has failed to cover 7 of its last 10 games. Virginia Tech has competed all season long and is 18-12 ATS on the season. With an offense that scores and shoots the three well, there’s no reason to think Virginia Tech can’t hang in this spot. This line is disrespectful. Give me the points with Virginia Tech.