The North Carolina State Wolfpack (13-5, 4-3 ACC) travel to Virginia to take on the Cavaliers (12-5, 4-3 ACC) in a matchup that pits great offense against stifling defense. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, January 20, 2020, and will air on ESPN.
North Carolina State Wolfpack at Virginia Cavaliers ATS Prediction
The Wolfpack will be hoping for similar success after beating the Clemson Tigers in their last contest, 60-54. North Carolina State’s 0.275 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Clemson, who had a mark of 0.170. The Wolfpack’s mark was above their season average of 0.204, while the Tigers’ was below their season average of 0.208. D.J. Funderburk had a solid performance for North Carolina State, contributing 13 points and 11 rebounds.
In the Cavaliers’ last matchup, they defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 63-58. The Cavaliers had a better free throw rate (0.151 vs. 0.060), while the Yellow Jackets had a turnover percentage of 25.0 (above their season average of 20.4). With 17 points, eight rebounds and six blocks, Jay Huff put together a good performance for Virginia.
After the Cavaliers won both games against the Wolfpack last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last game, Virginia won 76-56. Virginia’s effective field goal percentage was its biggest advantage over North Carolina State. The Cavaliers had a rate of 0.625 while the Wolfpack posted a mark of 0.418.
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the productive offense of North Carolina State takes on the elite defense of Virginia. The Wolfpack rank 58th in offensive efficiency, while the Cavaliers are first in defensive efficiency.
North Carolina State Wolfpack at Virginia Cavaliers Free Pick
Basketball Pick:Â Â ATS Winner – North Carolina State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Virginia ranks 17th in rebounds allowed per game (30.4) while North Carolina State ranks 194th (36.4).
The Wolfpack rank 115th in three pointers attempted per game (23.1) while the Cavaliers rank 229th (19.4).
Virginia ranks 11th in blocks allowed per game (2.2) while North Carolina State ranks 121st (3.7).
The Wolfpack average 7.6 steals per game, which ranks 68th in the country. The Cavaliers rank 154th in steals allowed per game (7.2).
Virginia ranks third in assists allowed per game (8.6) while North Carolina State ranks 74th (11.6).
The Wolfpack’s average margin of victory in their last five games has been 0.6, down from 8.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 57.2 points per game (4.5 above their season average) and allowed an average of 54.8 points per game (8.0 above their season average).
