It’s time for the second round of the Commonwealth Clash, basketball edition!
Virginia scored another half-a-point in the athletics-based competition between the two state rivals after winning the first showdown at Virginia Tech in January. The Hoos were fully healthy that time, but now have to weather the loss of two starters against the tough Hokies. Nevertheless, they can take the full point in their two-game set with another win over their conference rivals.
Virginia may also be looking at the bigger picture in the NCAA as it attempts to pull away from No. 4 Duke in the ACC standings. Can banged-up Virginia manage to sweep the season series? Read on as we break down this big college basketball rivalry game.
For more looks at the college basketball landscape, check out our complete previews for Arkansas vs. Kentucky and Syracuse vs. Duke.
[sc:MarchMadness ]Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Virginia Cavaliers Preview
Where: John Paul Jones Arena, Virginia
When: Saturday, February 28, 4:00 PM ET
Line: Virginia Tech Hokies at Virginia Cavaliers – view all NCAA Basketball lines
Betting on the Virginia Tech Hokies
Virginia Tech’s 2-13 conference record may not look pretty, but they can grind it out even with the best teams of the nation. The Hokies led Duke for much of their Wednesday night encounter before finally bowing down, 91-86, in overtime.
[sc:NCAAB240banner ]Virginia Tech has been tough to beat against the spread against ranked teams this season. The Hokies are 5-2 ATS in games against West Virginia, Louisville, North Carolina, Notre Dame, Virginia and Duke.
Adam Smith has led the Hokies’ offensive charge this season with 13.6 points per game. He’s stepped it up a notch averaging in double digits (10.6) in seven games against teams in the top 25. Smith led the Hokies with 15 points in their close 50-47 loss to Virginia on January 25.
Smith may get some support this time around with freshman Jalen Hudson, who scored a career-high 23 points on 9-of-20 shooting against Duke. But Hudson may not have the same amount of success against Virginia’s tough defense. The Cavaliers have the second best shooting defense in the league, limiting opponents to shoot 35.8 percent from the field.
That said, the Hokies may still be able to muster some much needed offense if Devin Wilson is able to use his playmaking. Wilson had 10 points and 11 assists against Duke. Considering how Virginia has allowed more space to open up opponents’ passing lanes (they’ve allowed 11.7 assists in their last three), expect the Hokies to spread their offense across the floor. Virginia Tech had five players score in double digits against Duke.
The Hokies have covered their last two games against Virginia.
Betting on the Virginia Cavaliers
Hold your horses, Virginia.
The Virginia Cavaliers looked unstoppable Wednesday night. They routed Wake Forest, 70-34, despite missing two starters in Justin Anderson and London Perrantes. Anderson is their second-leading scorer, while Perrantes leads the team with 4.4 assists per game.
Marial Shayok did his best to direct Virginia’s offense, finishing with four dimes. Leading scorer Malcolm Brogdon struggled from the field, but dished out four assists to capitalize on Wake Forest’s lack of coverage. Darion Atkins and Anthony Gill were hot from the field, making a combined 9-of-12 shots.
Expect the Cavaliers to have the same free-flowing offense all across the floor. They should be able to exploit Virginia Tech’s inability to cover opponents, allowing 17.3 assists per game over its last three contests.
Virginia had a 33-21 rebounding advantage against the Hokies in their first matchup. It was also as lopsided on the offensive boards with Virginia dominating 12-1. A few extra field goal attempts should aid Virginia in this game, consdering they have the fourth-best field goal percentage in the ACC (46 percent).
The Cavaliers have won four straight at home, but are just 0-3-1 against the spread in those games.
Writer’s Prediction
Virginia wins, but the Hokies muster just enough offense to cover the spread.
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