The Wake Forest Demon Deacons (+200,000 to win the national title) are not going to make it to the Big Dance. Although that’s not an absolute thing to expect because miracles happen, but that’s the point: they need a miracle to make it there. The No. 9 Virginia Tech Hokies (+4,000), on the other hand, are ranked and on pace to make the cut for March Madness, but can they avoid an upset loss? The sportsbook lists VT as a solid favorite in this matchup.
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Betting Preview for the Wake Forest Demon Deacons vs. Virginia Tech Hokies College Basketball Game on January 19, 2019
Where: Cassell Coliseum, Blacksburg
When: Saturday, January 19, 2019, 4:00 PM ET
Line: Wake Forest Demon Deacons (odds) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (odds) – view all NCAA Basketball lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Wake Forest Demon Deacons (8-8 Overall / 1-3 Conference)
The Demon Deacons pulled off a massive upset on Tuesday, taking down No. 17 NC State Wolfpack at home, 71-67. Regarded by many as the worst team in the ACC this season, Wake Forest toppled the Wolfpack by being aggressive all game long. The Demon Deacons went to the free-throw line 28 times and made 23 of their attempts. Meanwhile, NC State only went 7-for-9. Freshman forward Jaylen Hoard led the way for the Demon Deacons against the Wolfpack, as he scored 16 points to go with 10 rebounds. He’s had three double-double games in the team’s last five outings. Against No. 1 Duke Blue Devils last week, Hoard had 13 points and nine boards, albeit in an 87-65 loss. Wake Forest is averaging 73.3 points per game and allows 74.2 per contest.
On the season so far Wake Forest is 2-4 straight up (SU) and 3-3 against the spread (ATS) while the under have gone 2-1 in Danny Manning’s teams’ last three games away from home.
Betting on the Virginia Tech Hokies (14-2 Overall / 3-1 Conference)
The Hokies saw their nine-game winning streak end on Wednesday, when they were subdued by the No. 4 Virginia Cavaliers, 81-59. The Hokies were simply no match against Virginia, which played near-perfect basketball on both ends of the field. While Virginia Tech shot just 43.2 percent from the field, the Cavaliers made 58.5 percent of their shots from the floor. The Hokies, however, are not going to have that kind of problem against Wake Forest. Whereas the Cavaliers have the best defense in the nation, the Demon Deacons are 223rd in points allowed. Wake Forest’s interior defense is barely existent, as evidenced by opponents making 54.8 percent of their two-point shots against the Demon Deacons. Conversely, Virginia Tech, granted the loss to Virginia, has one of the sturdiest defenses in the nation. The Hokies are fourth overall with 58.8 points allowed per contest.
The Hokies are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 home games.
Writer’s Prediction
Virginia Tech wins, 80-64.
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