Notre Dame vs. Virginia Tech NCAAB Preview
Where: Cassell Coliseum, Blacksburg, VA
When: Saturday, January 14, 2017, 2:00 PM ET
Line: Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Virginia Tech Hokies – view all NCAA basketball lines
TV Broadcast: ACC Network
Writer’s Pick: Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Betting on the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (15-2, 4-0 ACC)
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish have started 4-0 in conference play for the first time in program history. The Irish pulled off yet another close game as they edged out the Miami Hurricanes, 67-62, on the road. Notre Dame’s four wins have come by an average of just 4.5 points.
Notre Dame’s highly-efficient offense was once again given fits by the Miami defense. The Irish shot just 37 percent from the field and 5-of-20 from beyond the arc. Matt Farrell led the way offensively with 15 points and 6 assists. Steve Vasturia had a great all-around game with 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, while V.J. Beachem added 13 points, included the go-ahead basket.
Notre Dame will have another tough road test up next against Virginia Tech. The Irish were involved in another close battle at home against the Hokies last season. Vasturia played all 40 minutes in last season’s meeting, while Bonzie Colson (15.9 points and 10.8 rebounds this season) added 15 points and 5 boards off the bench.
Notre Dame has dominated its matchup with Virginia Tech. The Irish are a perfect 6-0 in their all-time meetings, and are 3-0 (1-2 ATS) since moving to the ACC.
Betting on the Virginia Tech Hokies (13-3, 2-2 ACC)
After back-to-back blowout road losses to NC State and Florida State, Virginia Tech finally bounced back with an 83-73 home win over Syracuse. Senior Zach LeDay led the way for the Hokies with 22 points and 6 rebounds, while guards Justin Bibbs and Chris Clarke added 18 and 17 points, respectively.
Clarke and LeDay have begun conference play strong. Both players are averaging close to 17 points and 6.5 rebounds, while shooting around 60 percent from the field. Ahmed Hill is chipping in with 16.5 points, but was limited to just 13 points on 4-of-11 shooting against the Orange.
Virginia Tech is now 2-0 in Blacksburg during conference play. Their other win was a 89-75 demolition of a then-No. 5 Duke team in the opener. They shot 55 percent from the field in that game, with six players finishing in double-digits. Tech’s offense is one of the most explosive in the country. They’re averaging 83.3 points per game on the season (25th overall), and 82 points per game through four conference games.
Their defense does need some work, though. They’re giving up 86.3 points, which is dead-last in the ACC.
Writer’s Prediction
Notre Dame’s offense exploits Virginia Tech’s suspect defense as the Irish run away 79-72 winners on the road.
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