The Virginia Tech Hokies (15-12, 6-10 ACC) will have their hands full against the NCAA’s top scoring defense when they clash against the Virginia Cavaliers (19-7, 11-5 ACC) at Cassell Coliseum. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, and will air on ESPN2.
Virginia Cavaliers at Virginia Tech Hokies ATS Prediction
The Cavaliers come in on a high note after edging the Pittsburgh Panthers in their last outing, 59-56. One of Virginia’s biggest advantages was their ability to convert at the free throw line. They were 11-13 (84.6 percent), while the Panthers were just 9-14 (64.3 percent). Mamadi Diakite fueled Virginia with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The last time the Hokies were in action, they got blown out by the No. 6 Duke Blue Devils, 88-64. Getting to the free throw line was one of Duke’s largest strengths. They made 31 trips to the line, while Virginia Tech went just seven times. With 16 points on 7-for-15 shooting, Tyrece Radford led Virginia Tech in scoring.
This is the second game of the season between these two teams. In the first, Braxton Key scored a game-high 18 points and the Cavaliers beat the Hokies 65-39. He also had 10 rebounds. The Cavaliers had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (23.1 vs. 13.5) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.528 vs. 0.313).
Half-court execution will be of utmost importance when a pair of the country’s slowest-paced teams square off. Virginia Tech ranks 256th in possessions per game (67.6) and Virginia is 350th (60.8). Moreover, the Cavaliers, who rank 303rd in free throw attempt (FTA) rate (0.192), will face off against the Hokies, who rank 35th in opponents’ FTA rate (0.176).
Virginia at Virginia Tech Odds Pick
Pick: ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Over
Betting Trends
Virginia Tech ranks 20th in three pointers attempted per game (27.6) while Virginia ranks 237th (19.3).
The Cavaliers rank 18th in rebounds allowed per game (30.7) while the Hokies rank 213th (36.9).
Virginia Tech ranks 32nd in assists per game (15.0) while Virginia ranks 225th (11.6).
The Hokies rank second in steals allowed per game (4.0) while the Cavaliers rank 163rd (6.9).
Virginia ranks 28th in blocks per game (4.7) while Virginia Tech ranks 138th (3.0).
The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.4, down from 4.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Hokies have scored an average of 71.2 points per game (0.6 above their season average) and allowed an average of 80.0 points per game (13.2 above their season average).