What happens when two of the best defensive teams in the nation share the court? We’re about to find out when the Virginia Cavaliers pay the Clemson Tigers a visit on Saturday. Check out our preview for this game below.
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Betting Preview for the Virginia Cavaliers vs Clemson Tigers NCAA College Basketball Game on January 16 2021
Where: Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson, SC
When: Saturday, January 16, 2021, 6:00 PM ET
Line: Virginia Cavaliers (odds) vs. Clemson Tigers (odds) – view all 2021 NCAAB lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Virginia Cavaliers (odds)
Record: 8-2 Overall / 4-0 Conference
For the second time this season, Virginia defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Hoos hosted Notre Dame and scored an 8-68 win in Charlottesville last Wednesday, which was also Virginia’s fourth win in a row. Virginia was hot from behind the arc against Notre Dame, as the Cavs hit 12 threes on 24 attempts. Jay Huff hit four 3-pointers while Casey Morsell came off the bench and buried three triples. The Cavs are hoping for that kind of torrid outside shooting to continue against Clemson to help open up the Tigers’ stout defense. Virginia has three players who are shooting at least 35.4 percent from long range, led by Trey Murphy, who is a 48.9 percent outside shooter. But Virginia’s key to success will always be its stifling pack-line defense. Virginia is allowing just 60.3 points per game this season, with opposing teams making just 40.6 percent of their shots from the field.
Virginia is 6-4 against the spread this season. The Hoos are also 5-1 against the spread in their last six road games, dating back to last year.
Betting on the Clemson Tigers (odds)
Record: 9-1 Overall / 3-1 Conference
Clemson’s defense was challenged hard by the NC State Wolfpack, but the Tigers still pulled through and scored a 74-70 win on Tuesday at home. The Tigers are now 5-0 straight up over their last five games. On the season, Clemson is 5-2-1 against the spread following a win. Clemson is fourth in Division I basketball with only 57.6 points allowed per game. Opponents are also knocking down just 39.1 percent of their shots from the field against the Tigers. Virginia may not enjoy the hot 3-point shooting it had in the win over Notre Dame against Clemson, as the Tigers are great in staying home defensively on outside shooters. In fact, Clemson is holding opponents down to just 29.9 percent shooting from behind the arc. Clemson boasts the nation’s best defense, per KenPom, as it tops in adjusted defensive efficiency with just 86.9 points surrendered per 100 possessions.
Clemson is 5-4-1 against the spread in its last 10 games at home.
Writer’s Prediction
Clemson wins, 57-55.
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