Saturday’s ACC Predictions
Saturday features another big slate of ACC games in college basketball. Here’s our predictions for three of the top games in the conference.
Syracuse at Miami, Noon ET (CBS)
According to oddsmakers at YouWager, Miami is the favorite at home in this game, as the Hurricanes are getting odds of -4.5 points against the Orange. The Canes have been disappointing at home in ACC play, failing to cover in their last five on their home floor. Syracuse has played somewhat well in recent weeks, winning two of their last three. That includes a victory at Louisville and the lone loss was by four points against N.C. State. Miami’s defense has taken a step back over their last five games and I think the Orange will find a way to win the battle of defenses today. ACC PREDICTIONS: SYRACUSE +4.5
Virginia Tech at Georgia Tech, Noon (ESPN2)
Oddsmakers see Virginia Tech as the favorite in this game, as the Hokies are getting odds of -3.5 points against Georgia Tech. The Hokies have an offense that should pose some problems for the Yellow Jackets. Tech relies heavily on defense to win because it produces just 65.6 points per game. I see that being a problem against this VT team that averages 82.5 per game. The Hokies have also covered in four of their last six on the road, so performing well away from home hasn’t been an issue this season. Georgia Tech also has some injury concerns and off-the-court distractions involving Josh Pastner. I like the Hokies today. ACC PREDICTIONS: VIRGINIA TECH -3.5
Virginia Tech vs. Georgia Tech Series History
No. 14 North Carolina at Louisville, 8:15PM ET (ESPN)
Oddsmakers have the Tar Heels as a 1-point underdog heading to Louisville tonight. This line is very confusing to me as UNC clearly has the better talent on paper. While Louisville is 14-3 at home this season and UNC is only 4-4 on the road, the Heels are in one of their better stretches this season. North Carolina has won four straight, covering in all four. That includes a 7-point win at N.C. State. Louisville has suffered recent home losses to Syracuse and Florida State, two teams not as strong as UNC. The public betting is almost split here, but I feel good about riding UNC as an underdog. ACC PREDICTIONS: NORTH CAROLINA +1