The Miami Hurricanes are growing desperate, as they try to turn their fates in ACC play around. Despite the troubles of late, all that could be completely forgotten if they manages to take down No. 3 Virginia Cavaliers, who are surging again. The Hurricanes are +50,000 to win the national title, while the Cavaliers are +800 to capture the NCAA championship.
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Betting Preview for the Miami Hurricanes vs. Virginia Cavaliers College Basketball Game on February 2, 2019
Where: John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville
When: Saturday, February 2, 2019, 2:00 PM ET
Line: Miami Hurricanes (odds) vs. Virginia Cavaliers (odds) – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Miami Hurricanes (9-10 Overall / 1-6 Conference)
Miami has been a huge disappointment in the ACC. The Hurricanes only have a win in seven games in conference play as of this writing and pending their matchup with the No. 12 Virginia Tech Hokies at home on Wednesday, and regardless of what happens in Florida, the game against Virginia is going to be biggest chance for Miami to redeem itself. What the Hurricanes need is to play better defense. They are allowing 71.4 points per game and lets opponents have a 51.4 effective field goal percentage. According to KenPom, Miami has the worst defensive rating among ACC teams. On the other side of the court, the Hurricanes have fewer problems. They average 74.7 points and are enjoying having five players who are all at least scoring in double digits per game, led by Chris Lykes. The sophomore guard, however, has been on a rut of late, having scored a total of nine points on an atrocious 4-for-27 shooting from the field combined in losses to the Florida State Seminoles and Syracuse Orange.
The over is 7-3 in the Hurricanes’ last 10 road games.
Betting on the Virginia Cavaliers (18-1 Overall / 6-1 Conference)
Virginia is back to being Virginia again. After suffering their only loss of the season so far, the Cavaliers defeated the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at home (68-45) and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish on the road (82-55) with great ease. They will be tested by No. 23 NC State Wolfpack in Raleigh and Tuesday before hosting the Hurricanes. The key to success remains the same for Virginia: defense. Whereas Miami has the worst defense in the conference per KenPom, Virginia has the best. In fact, the Cavs are second nationally with just 60.2 points allowed per 100 possessions. They are also allowing the fewest points per game with opponents scoring just 52.6 points per game against Virginia. Virginia burns so much time when it has the possession of the leather, but is incredibly efficient. The Cavs are shooting 48.1 percent from the field and 39.7 percent from deep – 12th best nationally. And yeah, they are pretty tough to beat in Charlottesville.
Virginia is 5-0 against the spread (ATS) in its last five games at home.
Writer’s Prediction
Virginia wins and covers, 82-65.
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