Number 21 Memphis heads to Charlottesville to face unranked Virginia on Wednesday night. The game is at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN2. Can Memphis cover the 5.5-point spread as road favorites? Keep reading for our Memphis vs. Virginia prediction.
The Memphis Tigers are 8-2 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 7-3 ATS this season.
The Virginia Cavaliers are 6-4 straight up in the regular season this year. They are 3-7 ATS this season.
Memphis vs. Virginia Matchup & Betting Odds
675 Memphis Tigers (-5.5) at 676 Virginia Cavaliers (+5.5); o/u 130.5
7:00 p.m. ET, Wednesday, December 18, 2024
John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville, VA
TV: ESPN2
Memphis vs. Virginia Public Betting Information
Our CBB Public Betting Information page indicates that 59% of public bettors are currently backing Memphis when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Memphis Tigers Game Notes
Tigers guard Tyrese Hunter had a big game in his team’s 87-82 overtime win over Clemson on Saturday. The Iowa State transfer registered 23 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal, and a blocked shot. Hunter shot 8 of 14 from the floor and 7 of 11 from beyond the arc in the victory.
Memphis guard Colby Rogers also played well in his team’s game this past weekend. The 6’3” senior recorded 22 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. Rogers is third on the team in scoring with 13.4 points per game this year.
Virginia Cavaliers Game Notes
Cavaliers forward Elijah Saunders led all scorers in his team’s 59-41 win over Bethune-Cookman last Thursday. The San Diego State transfer put up 15 points, 8 rebounds, a steal, and a blocked shot in 36 minutes. Saunders shot 6 of 11 from the floor and 2 of 4 from the foul line in the win.
Virginia forward Jacob Cofie notched a double-double off the bench in his team’s game last week. The 6’10” freshman from Seattle accumulated 12 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block in 20 minutes of playing time. Cofie is fourth on the team in scoring with 8.7 points per game on the campaign.
Memphis vs. Virginia CBB Betting Trends
Memphis is 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall.
The Tigers are 13-10 ATS in non-conference games since the start of last season.
Virginia is 9-12 ATS in non-conference games since the start of last season.
Virginia is 3-11 ATS as an underdog since the beginning of last season.
Memphis vs. Virginia CBB Prediction:
This Virginia team is a far cry from the squad that won the national championship in 2019. Tony Bennett isn’t the Cavaliers’ coach anymore, as he retired just before the start of this season. Virginia’s head coach is Ron Sanchez. The Cavaliers’ defense has fallen off a bit under his tutelage.
Virginia is ranked 86th in the nation in traditional defensive efficiency and 43rd in the nation in adjusted defensive efficiency this year. Against a team like Memphis that has 3 guards averaging over 13 points per game, that’s likely going to be an issue. Memphis just went on the road and beat an ACC team (Clemson) by 5 points on Saturday. I think the Tigers will defeat another ACC team (Virginia) on the road by multiple possessions on Wednesday. The Tigers are the pick.