Panthers vs. Cavaliers Prediction
The second-ranked Virginia Cavaliers are big favorites at home today versus the Pittsburgh Panthers. Can Virginia roll to a win and cover the big number?
Game Snapshot
641 Pitt Panthers at 642 Virginia Cavaliers
Saturday, March 2, 2019
John Paul Jones Arena at 2PM ET
TV: ACCNE
Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our College Basketball Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Information
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Cavaliers are a 19-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 123.5 points. As of Saturday morning, 73 percent of public bets are siding with host Virginia. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for the latest updates.
Panthers drop 11th straight
Pittsburgh lost its 11th consecutive game Wednesday night at home versus Clemson by a count of 62-48 to drop to 12-16 overall and 2-13 in Atlantic Coast Conference action. The Panthers trailed 38-16 at halftime on its way to the defeat. Pittsburgh shot 12-of-44 from the floor, 3-of-14 from 3-point distance plus 21-of-28 from the free throw line. Xavier Johnson paced the Panthers with 14 points on 4-of-9 shooting including 1-of-1 from 3-point range plus 5-of-8 from the free throw line. He also accounted for two rebounds and two assists. Terrell Brown added 11 points, five boards and two blocked shots.
Cavaliers dominate Yellow Jackets
Virginia earned an 81-51 home victory Wednesday night over Georgia Tech to move to 25-2 overall and 13-2 in the ACC. Ty Jerome paced the Cavaliers with 19 points on 8-of-13 shooting including 1-of-2 from 3-point distance plus 2-of-4 from the free throw line. He also registered five rebounds and four assists. De’Andre Hunter had 18 points, four boards and three assists. Kyle Guy added 11 points and two rebounds. Virginia led 41-22 at halftime on its way to the decisive win. The Cavaliers shot 30-of-54 from the floor, 9-of-17 from 3-point distance and 12-of-17 at the free throw line.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Pittsburgh
The Panthers are 0-4-1 ATS in their last five Saturday games. Pitt is 0-6 ATS in its last six road games.
Virginia
The Cavaliers are 4-1 ATS in their last five ACC games. Virginia is 9-4 ATS in its last 13 home games.
Prediction:
The Panthers are actually pretty decent defensively, but lag well back on the offensive end which won’t bode well against a Virginia team ranked second nationally in adjusted defensive efficiency. While Pitt hasn’t been blown out a lot during this losing streak, this is as tough of a test as it could have. Virginia has blown out a number of teams this season and is on top of its game right now. Go with the much better team here.
NCAA DAILY PREDICTION: VIRGINIA CAVALIERS -19.5