Offense meets defense when the No. 9 Florida State Seminoles (14-2, 4-1 ACC) welcome the Virginia Cavaliers (11-4, 3-2 ACC) to Donald L. Tucker Center. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Florida State Seminoles ATS Prediction
The Cavaliers are hoping for a better outcome after their 63-55 loss to the Syracuse Orange in their last contest. Syracuse’s free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Virginia. The Orange had a rate of 0.180 (below their season average of 0.250), while the Cavaliers posted a mark of 0.090 (below their season average of 0.185). Jay Huff led Virginia in scoring with 16 points on 7-for-12 shooting.
The last time the Seminoles were in action, they beat the Wake Forest Demon Deacons, 78-68. The Seminoles forced 17 turnovers and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (32.4 vs. 29.0). With 14 points and 10 rebounds, Trent Forrest put together a good game for Florida State.
After splitting two games last season, these teams will battle for the first time this year. In the last contest, the Seminoles won 69-59. The Seminoles had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.9 vs. 21.2) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.630 vs. 0.462).
This battle pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Florida State currently ranks 43rd in offensive efficiency and Virginia is first in defensive efficiency.
Virginia at Florida State Betting Pick
Basketball Prediction: ATS Winner – Florida State, O/U – Under
Betting Trends
Florida State ranks 14th in steals per game (9.5) while Virginia ranks 163rd (5.9).
The Cavaliers rank 14th in rebounds allowed per game (30.3) while the Seminoles rank 78th (33.4).
Florida State ranks 15th in blocks per game (5.6) while Virginia ranks 64th (4.1).
The Seminoles average 21.2 three pointers per game, which ranks 173rd in the country. The Cavaliers rank 201st in three pointers allowed per game (23.7).
Virginia allows the second-fewest assists per game (7.9) while Florida State ranks eighth (9.1).
The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 1.8, down from 6.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Seminoles have scored an average of 76.0 points per game (0.4 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.4 points per game (1.0 above their season average).
