CBB Predictions: Virginia Cavaliers vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish 1/24/17

Virginia vs. Notre Dame Pick

In another big ACC matchup, who will come out the winner when No. 14 Notre Dame plays host to No. 12 Virginia tonight at 8PM ET?

According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Virginia is a slight favorite on the road, as the Cavaliers are getting odds of -1 point against the Irish. The over/under total for the game is listed at 134 points. Virginia has won four straight over Notre Dame, covering the spread in all four games.

Bet on Virginia vs. Notre Dame

Notre Dame has flown under the radar in the ACC, but is now 17-3 overall and 6-1 in the ACC following an 84-66 win over Syracuse this weekend. The lone conference loss was 83-80 at Florida State last week. The Irish have covered in six straight and are now 10-3-1 against the spread for the season, including 5-1 ATS at home. ND is putting up 81.2 points per game this season and allowing only 67.4. In South Bend, the Irish give up just 62.2 per game. Bonzie Colson and Steve Vasturia are both averaging 15 points per game while Colson is also pulling down 10.9 rebounds per contest to lead the Irish.

Virginia is on a four-game win streak entering today’s game to get to 15-3 on the season and 5-2 in the ACC. The Cavs have gone 3-1 against the spread in this win streak and sit at 10-6 against the spread on the season and 6-2 ATS on the road. Virginia is one of the best defensive teams in the nation, allowing just 53.2 points per game. On the road, however, they allow 61.8 per game. Offensively, Virginia averages 69.6 points per game on the season. London Perrantes is the leading scorer at 11.7 per game while Marial Shayok is the only other player averaging double figures at 10 points per game.

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This game is a tough call. I like each team for different reasons. I have concerns about Virginia’s schedule thus far and feel like they have been able to beat some of the more questionable ACC teams in recent weeks while Notre Dame is more battle tested. However, I feel like the Cavaliers have a grittiness that the Irish lack and still need more proof from them in terms of being a legit title contender. Virginia just seems to have ND’s number as well. When push comes to shove, I just trust the Cavaliers more based on their defensive ability.

 

COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: VIRGINIA -1