Virginia Tech vs. Virginia Prediction: Can the Hokies Put Up Points Without Hunter Cattoor?
Virginia welcomes their rival, Virginia Tech, into town for some college hoops tonight. Can the Hokies put up points without Hunter Cattoor? Krabs gives his best bet for the Virginia Tech vs. Virginia game.
Krabs - January 17, 2024, 4:50 PM EST
7 minVirginia Tech vs. Virginia Prediction: Can the Hokies Put Up Points Without Hunter Cattoor?
After two consecutive losses, Tony Bennett’s Cavaliers welcome their rival, Virginia Tech, into town. This series has been back-and-forth for the better part of the last five years, but even as a Virginia Tech alumni I can admit that these games matter more for Virginia. With the students back in town and Hunter Cattoor still likely out with a concussion, do the Hokies stand any chance?
Virginia Tech vs. Virginia Date, Time, and Where to Watch
- Date: January 17, 2024
- Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
- Where to Watch: ESPNU
Virginia Tech vs. Virginia Prediction
The short answer is yes. If the Hokies can get hot from deep with guys like Sean Pedulla and Tyler Nickel, they can win this game. I’m worried because we just saw Tony Bennett’s squad get burned from deep in their previous two road losses. Do we really think the Hokies (probably) without their veteran Cattoor are going to light it up against the Hoos for the third straight game in Charlottesville? That doesn’t sound like a bet I want to make...
I’m not saying to back Virginia in this game, either. They’ve been a major disappointment in ACC play after high preseason expectations, but they are a perfect 9-0 at home. Instead of trying to figure out which Virginia school is going to actually play up to their potential, let’s target the total in this rivalry game.
You don’t see totals between power-five schools open at 122.5 very often anymore, but it opened that low for a reason. Sure, the total might have spiked up to 125.5, but that’s probably because nearly 90% of the bets and handle are currently backing this over. That amount of money will more any line.
Sean Pedulla has broken out as a star in 2024, averaging 30 PPG in January. Those three great games were against subpar defenses like Miami, Clemson and Florida State. Tonight, Pedulla’s player prop is still sitting at 14.5 with juice on the under. This is a great sign for those brave enough to fade the public and bet the under in this Commonwealth of Virginia battle.
Instead of betting the full game under, let’s target the first half. I’ve watched every single Virginia Tech vs. Virginia game for the last six years, and if there’s one constant, it’s that the game always starts incredibly slow. Offense will be hard to come by in this game, especially early on as each side feels each other out. Defense will reign supreme in this contest, and I’m fully expecting Tony Bennett to craft up a gameplan to cool off red-hot Pedulla.
Virginia Tech vs. Virginia Pick
VT/UVA 1H u58 (-110) Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds
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