The Virginia Tech Hokies recently just treated the NC State Wolf Pack like a banana peel, as they threw Kevin Keatts’ team to the trashcan in a win that had a historical result. Will they be able to dominate another team on Saturday against the Clemson Tigers? Or will Clemson show the Hokies that they can’t be overpowered like that at home?
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Betting Preview for the Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Clemson Tigers College Basketball Game on February 9, 2019
Where: Littlejohn Coliseum, Clemson
When: Saturday, February 9, 2019, 12:00 PM ET
Line: Virginia Tech Hokies (odds) vs. Clemson Tigers (odds) – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Virginia Tech Hokies (18-3 Overall / 7-2 Conference)
The Hokies are a stingy defensive team but not even in their wildest dreams were they envisioned a game in which they would limit a ranked opponent to only 16.7 percent shooting from the field and below 25 points. But that’s exactly what happened when they defiled the No. 24 NC State Wolfpack last Saturday in a 47-23 win in Raleigh. The Hokies themselves, however, didn’t play well offensively, as the they made just 35.6 percent of their shots. Nevertheless, it’s their defense that ruled the night in that game. The Hokies are allowing only 60.2 points per game – fifth fewest in the nation. Their defensive efficiency in the ACC is at 101.5, which is better than the national average of 103.7. The other thing you need to know about the Hokies is that they are lethal from the 3-point region. They bombed in the NC State game from deep with a 7-for-21 line, but they are still third in the nation with a 42.2 percent shooting from behind the arc.
The Hokies are 2-0 against the spread (ATS) in their last three road games.
Betting on the Clemson Tigers (13-8 Overall / 3-5 Conference)
Clemson has built some momentum of late, having won two games in a row against the Pittsburgh Panthers and the Wake Forest Demon Deacons – both at home. The Tigers will visit the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in Atlanta this Wednesday before dealing with the Hokies. The Tigers won against Wake Forest despite a letdown performance by their best player. Marcquise Reed, who tops the team with 19.1 points per game, went 4-for-10 shooting from the field and finished with only nine points. Fortunately for Clemson, Reed’s tag team partner in Elijah Thomas had the hot hand that day. Thomas scattered 23 points on a near-flawless 10-for-11 shooting to go with 10 rebounds and seven blocks. Speaking of which, the Tigers’ interior defense is a bit underrated. They are 53rd in the nation in blocks percentage and sixth in the ACC in that same category. However, it’s their ability to defend against the 3-ball which will be scrutinized against the trigger-happy Hokies.
The Tigers are 10-2 straight up (SU) and 5-9 against the spread (ATS) when playing from the comforts of home so far this season.
Writer’s Prediction
Virginia Tech wins, 70-66.
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