Virginia Cavaliers at Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Preview
The Virginia Cavaliers (16-9, 10-5 ACC) travel to take on in-state rival Virginia Tech (15-10, 7-7 ACC) in an Atlantic Coast Conference matchup on Monday night. Virginia defeated the Hokies, 54-52 earlier this year at home.
Monday’s tipoff is at 7 p.m. EST inside the Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, VA. Virginia Tech is a 5.5-point favorite in the rematch, and the over-under total is set at 121.0 points.
What to Know – Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia looks to run their winning streak to five games and position themselves with a shot at the ACC regular-season title. During their winning stretch, the Cavaliers picked up victories over Miami and Duke and, most recently, Georgia Tech on Saturday.
The Cavaliers’ offense averages 63.4 points per game, shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 32.8 percent from the 3-point line. Virginia’s defense limits opponents to an ACC-best 59.6 points per game, holding teams to 42.6 percent shooting from the floor and 34.7 percent shooting from deep.
Jayden Gardner scored 26 points to push Virginia past Georgia Tech, 63-53, on Saturday. Gardner connected on 10-of-19 shooting from the field and nailing all six of his shots from the charity stripe. Virginia forced 15 turnovers and outrebounded the Yellow Jackets, 32-24.
This year, Virginia is 13-12 against the spread and 4-5 ATS on the road. The ‘Hoos are 5-1 ATS over their last six contests and their last six matchups against the Hokies.
What to Know – Virginia Tech Hokies
The Hokies have a winning streak of their own they are working on, picking up five-straight conference victories and putting themselves back in the conversation of a potential bid to the NCAA Tournament. VT hasn’t lost this month and worked their conference record back to .500.
On offense, Virginia Tech scores 70.9 points per game while shooting 47.5 percent from the floor and shooting the best in the league from the arc at 41.5 percent. The Hokies are right behind the Cavaliers, surrendering 61.9 points per game, 42.3 percent from the field, and 32.7 percent from three.
Keve Aluma scored 20 points, and the Hokies cruised to a 71-59 triumph over the Syracuse Orange on Saturday. Justyn Mutts added the second triple-double in Hokies’ history, scoring 12 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and dishing 11 assists. Virginia Tech turned the ball over just four times in the win.
Virginia Tech is 13-12 ATS and 8-4 ATS on their home floor. The Hokies 4-1 ATS over their previous five games facing opponents from the ACC.
The Pick is In
Monday’s matchup showcases two teams with a lot of momentum heading into the final few weeks of the regular season. Virginia pulled out a close one in their first matchup, but the Cavaliers have a losing record this year on the road. Virginia Tech has been solid at home, and the Hokies want to avoid getting swept by their conference and in-state rival.
With two of the top scoring defenses in the conference facing off, expect another low scoring clash. Virginia keeps this one close as neither team pulls away throughout the matchup.
Betting Pick: Virginia Cavaliers +5.5
