Gardner-Webb vs. Virginia Prediction
Can No. 1 Virginia avenge its loss to a 16 seed from last year when it takes on No. 16 Gardner-Webb today at 3:10PM ET?
807 Colgate vs. 808 Tennessee
Friday, March 22, 2019
3:10PM ET – Colonial Life Arena
TV: TRUTV
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Virginia is the heavy favorite in this game, as the Cavaliers are getting odds of -21.5 points against Gardner-Webb. The over/under total is listed at 130 points. The public betting currently has 60 percent going on Virginia as the favorite. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Webb wins the Big South
Gardner-Webb has won eight of its last nine coming into today, including the Big South Tournament to get into the Big Dance. The Bulldogs have covered the spread in five straight. Gardner-Webb is 23-11 on the season, 2-2 on a neutral floor, 17-14 against the spread and 16-14 with the over.
The Bulldogs are a strong offensive team, as they average 78.3 points per game while shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 39.1 percent from the arc. Defensively, Webb is giving up 70.5 points per game while holding opponents to 41.2 percent shooting. David Efianayi is leading the team with 18.4 points per game to lead the team while Jose Perez is adding 15.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per contest.
Cavs fall in ACC Tournament
Virginia had an early exit in the ACC Tournament, losing to Florida State in the semifinals after earning a share of the regular-season title with North Carolina. The Cavs are 29-3 on the season, 4-1 on a neutral floor, 23-9 against the spread and 17-15 with the under.
The Cavs have the top defense in the nation, as they allow just 55.1 points per game while holding opponents to 38 percent shooting from the field and 27.2 percent shooting from the arc. Offensively, UVA averages just 71.8 points per game while shooting 47.8 percent from the field and 40.9 percent from the arc. Kyle Guy leads the team with 15.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while De’Andre Hunter is adding 15.1 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Gardner-Webb
The Bulldogs are 4-1 against the spread in their last five against ACC opponents and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 games against a team with a winning percentage over .600.
Virginia
The Cavs have failed to cover in four straight NCAA Tournament games, but are 20-8 ATS in their last 28 non-conference games.
Prediction:
We all know what happened to Virginia a year ago. I don’t think the Cavs manage to lose again, but I think asking them to win by 22 is no small feat. The Cavs aren’t a team to put up a lot of points, and while their defense is superb, their style doesn’t cater to a 21.5-point spread. The Bulldogs can shoot the ball pretty well, so if they can hot at any point, winning by 20 is going to be very difficult. I just don’t trust Virginia to put up enough points to cover this spread.
College Basketball Prediction: Gardner-Webb +21.5