Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Miami (FL) Hurricanes Predictions, Picks, Odds and NCAA Basketball Betting Preview – February 17, 2016

With just six games remaining in the regular season, No. 11 Miami will need to be at their best with four straight games against teams currently in the

Top 25 of the AP Poll. Two matchups against struggling Virginia Tech sandwich those games. The first of the pair of contests will be on Wednesday night at Miami.

Will the Hurricanes continue to surge as they attempt to remain perfect at home in the ACC? Or will the Hokies pull out a surprise? With the postseason and the NCAA Tournament fast approaching, every game counts even more. Read on as we take a look at this big conference showdown.

Get some more college ball with our complete previews for Oklahoma vs. Texas Tech and Duke vs. North Carolina.

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Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Miami Hurricanes Preview

Where: BankUnited Center, Coral Gables

When: Wednesday, February 17, 9:00 PM ET

Line: Virginia Tech Hokies (+13) at Miami Hurricanes (-13) – view all NCAA Basetkball lines

Betting on the Virginia Tech Hokies (13-12)

Virginia Tech has lost four road games in its current 1-6 stretch. Most recently, they shot a season-low 35.6 percent in a 67-49 defeat to Virginia last Tuesday. But a long break in competition may be advantageous for the Hokies. They may have the necessary break to help them reset, whilst resting some injury concerns.

When looking for a Hokie to take over the court, look no further than Zach LeDay. He shot 50 percent and averaged 18.4 points in 10 games before scoring just seven points on 1 of 7 shooting at Virginia. Freshman Chris Clarke scored 11 in that game after missing the past 12 outings due to a broken foot.

Expect Clark to give his team plenty of energy. He’ll want to make up for lost time in his rookie season. He’s averaging 10.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game this season. A dangerous two-guard, the freshman is shooting 45 percent from the field but doesn’t have plenty of range. He has only attempted three three-pointers in 12 games this season, missing all tries from beyond the arc.

You can also expect a big performance from Seth Allen. He’s second on the team with 14 points per game. He’s been incredibly hot recently, averaging 16.2 points in his last five games. Having a handful of capable scorers should help Virginia Tech unravel Miami’s defense. The Hurricanes are 48th in the nation, allowing just 66 points per game.

The Hokies are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 away from home.

Betting on the Miami Hurricanes (20-4)

The Miami Hurricanes are just one game behind league leaders No. 5 North Carolina in the ACC Standings. They have won four games in a row, which could serve them well ahead of their impending four-game stretch against teams in the Top 25. The Hurricanes most recently squandered an 11-point win, before eventually winning 67-65 against Florida State on Sunday.

While the Hurricanes struggled with their shot against Florida State (38.2 percent), they’ve been very solid at home. They shot 53.5 percent in home wins over then-No. 24 Duke and Notre Dame before hitting 45.1 percent in their latest outing at BankUnited Center against Pittsburgh last Tuesday.

Angel Rodriguez has been solid in those home victories averaging 14 points, eight assists and 3.3 rebounds per game. Sheldon McClellan has also been good with 14.3 points per game as he’s hit 5 of 10 three-pointers in his past three home games. He finished with 21 points on 7 of 10 shooting in last season’s home win over the Hokies.

The Hurricanes won all three of their games against Virginia Tech last season by an average of 13 points. They were 2-1 ATS in those matchups.

Writer’s Prediction

The Hurricanes won’t take this game lightly especially at home. They play all-out in a blowout victory over Virginia Tech. Miami covers -13.

Create a betting account now and gear up for a mad month of March.

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