The No. 5 Florida State Seminoles (17-2, 7-1 ACC) put their 10-game winning streak on the line when they square off with the Virginia Cavaliers (13-6, 5-4 ACC) at John Paul Jones Arena. The game will air on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.
Florida State Seminoles vs. Virginia Cavaliers ATS Prediction
In the Seminoles’ last matchup, they beat the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, 85-84. Florida State’s offensive rebounding percentage was their largest strength over Notre Dame. The Seminoles had a rate of 35.3 (above their season average of 32.3), while the Fighting Irish posted a mark of 31.3. Trent Forrest had a good game for Florida State, contributing 13 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
The Cavaliers won a close one over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in their last matchup, 65-63. The Cavaliers, who came into the game averaging an offensive rebounding percentage of 28.6, had an absurd mark of 40.9 and had a turnover percentage of 16.4 (better than their season average of 17.9). Tomas Woldetensae was Virginia’s high scorer with 21 points on 7-for-15 shooting from the field.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. Vassell scored a game-high 18 points in the first game, in which the Seminoles beat the Cavaliers 54-50. He also put up five rebounds. The Seminoles had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (33.3 vs. 20.8) and had a better turnover percentage (21.8 vs. 26.7).
The ineffective offense of Virginia will go head-to-head against the stingy defense of Florida State. The Cavaliers rank 335th in offensive efficiency, while the Seminoles are 44th in defensive efficiency. The Seminoles should have the edge on that end of the court. Also, the Seminoles, who rank 59th in offensive rebounding percentage (32.4 percent), will battle against the Cavaliers, who rank 28th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.3 percent).
Florida State at Virginia Pick
Free Basketball Tip: ATS Winner – Florida State, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Florida State averages 9.8 steals per game, which ranks fifth in the country. Virginia ranks 168th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
The Seminoles rank 107th in assists per game (13.7) while the Cavaliers rank 232nd (11.2).
Virginia ranks 21st in rebounds allowed per game (30.8) while Florida State ranks 84th (33.5).
Both of these teams are great at blocking the ball. The Seminoles are 14th in the NCAA with 5.6 blocks per game while the Cavaliers are 54th with 4.3 blocks per game.
The Seminoles’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 6.4, down from 11.4 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 56.8 points per game (3.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 58.2 points per game (10.3 above their season average).
