Memphis Tigers vs Virginia Cavaliers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/18/24
Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Tigers versus the Cavaliers? Tip off is at at 7:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ESPN2. The game will be played at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA. Memphis is the -5.5 point favorites in this non-conference matchup against Virginia. The over/under for the game is set at 131 points.
MEMPHIS TIGERS VS VIRGINIA CAVALIERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Virginia Cavaliers +5.5
This game will be played at John Paul Jones Arena at 7:00 ET on Wednesday, December 18th.
WHY BET THE VIRGINIA CAVALIERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 76-69 in favor of the Cavaliers.
- Not only will Virginia pick up the win, but look for them to cover at +5.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 131 points, and we like the over with a projected 145 points.
Are Memphis Ready for a Road Win?
Memphis improved to 8-2 on the season with an 87-82 road win over Clemson on Saturday, December 14th. The Tigers entered the game as +5.5 point underdogs and not only pulled off the upset but also covered the spread.
Memphis led 33-32 at halftime and scored 39 points in the 2nd half while allowing 40. The game’s total points reached 169, surpassing the O/U line of 144.
Memphis put up 87 points in their last game, shooting 51.7% from the field and 48% from three-point range, hitting 12 of 25 attempts. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 61.7%, and they connected on 76.5% of their free throws, going 13 for 17.
Tyrese Hunter and Viktor Lakhin led the way with 23 points each, with Hunter hitting 7 of 11 threes. Colby Rogers added 22 points, shooting 4 of 7 from beyond the arc. The Tigers also recorded 17 assists and 10 offensive rebounds in the win.
Memphis gave up 82 points in their last game, with their opponents shooting 44% from the field. They allowed 55% shooting on two-point attempts, as the other team went 20/36 inside the arc.
From three-point range, Memphis held their opponents to 32% shooting, with 10 made threes on 31 attempts. They also sent the other team to the line 15 times, where they converted 12 free throws for 80%.
Will Virginia Pull Through as the Underdog Home Team?
Virginia Cavaliers Recent Game/Games
The Cavaliers improved to 6-4 on the season with a 59-41 win over Bethune-Cookman on Thursday. Virginia, who were -16 point favorites, covered the spread. The game’s total points of 100 fell short of the 126 O/U line.
Virginia trailed 21-18 at halftime but turned things around in the 2nd half, scoring 41 points while holding the Wildcats to 20.
Virginia’s offense put up 59 points in their last game, shooting 44% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 52%. They connected on 55.6% of their two-point attempts, but struggled from beyond the arc, hitting just 30.4% of their threes.
Elijah Saunders led the way with 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Brayon Freeman added 14 points despite shooting 31.6% overall and 22.2% from three. Ishan Sharma contributed 12 points, knocking down 4 of 7 threes, and Jacob Cofie also scored 12, grabbing 10 rebounds.
Virginia’s defense held their opponent to just 41 points, despite allowing them to shoot 44% from the field. The Cavaliers gave up 15 two-point baskets on 27 attempts, a 55% shooting rate.
From beyond the arc, Virginia limited their opponent to 7 made threes on 23 attempts, a 30% success rate. They also sent them to the free-throw line 12 times, where they made 8, shooting 66%. The Cavaliers allowed 10 offensive rebounds.