Miami vs. Virginia Pick
Will No. 14 Virginia get back on track today when it hosts Miami tonight at 7PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Virginia is favored at home tonight, as the Cavaliers are getting odds of -9.5 points against Miami. The over/under total for the game is listed at 118.5 points. Virginia has won four of the last five against Miami, covering the spread in five of the last six in this series as well.
Virginia is in the midst of a three-game losing streak following a 65-41 loss at North Carolina. The Cavaliers are now 18-8 overall and 8-6 in the ACC. They have failed to cover in this losing streak as well and are now 14-10 against the spread on the season. Virginia averages 67.7 points per game on offense while allowing 55.8 on defense. However, over its last five, UVA averages just 61.4 on offense and allows 66.2 on defense. London Perrantes is averaging 12.6 points and 3.8 assists per game to lead Virginia while Marial Shayok adds 9.7 points per contest.
Miami has won two straight coming into today. The Hurricanes have won four of their last five and sit at 18-8 on the season and 8-6 in the ACC. Miami is only 8-16 against the spread on the season. The Hurricanes are averaging 72.2 points per game on offense while giving up 64.3 on defense. Away from home, Miami is allowing 69.7 per game on defense. Ja’Quan Newton is averaging 15 points per game this season, but has been suspended and will be out today. Davon Reed is leading the team with 15.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per contest.
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While Miami has been winning, it has been still struggling to score in big numbers. Virginia has lost three straight, but the last two came against Duke and North Carolina. The Cavaliers still had a recent 71-55 win over Louisville at home and its last three home games before the Duke loss have been by double figures. UVA’s defense should be able to shut down Miami, especially without Newton in the lineup. Look for Virginia to get back to winning today.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: VIRGINIA -9.5