North Carolina State Wolfpack vs Virginia Cavaliers NCAA Basketball Betting Pick & Prediction 12/31/24
Betting on today’s Wolfpack and Cavaliers game? Catch the action at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA, as the Cavaliers hosts this showdown at 12:00 ET on ESPN2. The over/under for this game is set at 121.5 points, and Virginia is favored by -1.5 vs. North Carolina State in a Atlantic Coast conference matchup.
NORTH CAROLINA STATE WOLFPACK VS VIRGINIA CAVALIERS BETTING PICK
The Pick: Virginia Cavaliers -1.5
This game will be played at John Paul Jones Arena at 12:00 ET on Tuesday, December 31st.
WHY BET THE VIRGINIA CAVALIERS:
- We have this one finishing with a projected score of 77-69 in favor of the Cavaliers.
- Not only will Virginia pick up the win, but look for them to cover at -1.5.
- The over/under is currently sitting at 121.5 points, and we like the over with a projected 146 points.
Will North Carolina State Be The Talk of John Paul Jones Arena?
North Carolina State improved to 8-4 on the season with an 89-63 win over Rider on Sunday. Playing at home, the Wolfpack entered the game as -18.5 point favorites and covered the spread. The total points for the game reached 152, exceeding the over/under line of 133.5.
NC State dominated early, leading 52-23 at halftime. However, they allowed Rider to score 40 points in the 2nd half while adding 37 points of their own.
NC State’s offense was firing on all cylinders in their last game, putting up 89 points on 55.8% shooting from the field. Their effective field goal percentage was an impressive 61.5%, thanks in part to their 68.8% shooting on two-point attempts. From beyond the arc, they hit 7 of 20 threes, good for 35%, and they connected on 70.6% of their free throws, going 24 for 34 from the line.
The Wolfpack dished out 21 assists, with Marcus Hill leading the way with 6. Jay Alvarez and T.J. Weeks Jr. each scored 17 points, while Jayden Taylor added 16, hitting 3 of 4 threes and shooting 71.4% overall. Ben Middlebrooks was nearly perfect, making 4 of 5 shots, including his only three-point attempt.
Despite North Carolina State’s defensive struggles, allowing 63 points on 55% shooting, their offense couldn’t capitalize. The Wolfpack gave up 68% shooting from two-point range, with the opposition hitting 22 of 32 shots.
From beyond the arc, NC State allowed 7 threes on 20 attempts, a 35% clip. They also sent the other team to the line 34 times, where they converted 24 free throws at a 70% rate. The Wolfpack conceded 8 offensive rebounds.
Will Virginia Come Through as Home Favorites?
Virginia Cavaliers Recent Game/Games
Virginia improved to 7-5 on the season with a 63-58 win over American on Sunday. The Cavaliers were -13 favorites but didn’t cover the spread in this one.
Leading 32-28 at halftime, Virginia scored 31 points in the 2nd half while allowing 30. The combined points of 121 narrowly went over the O/U line of 119.5.
Virginia put up 63 points in their last game, shooting 46% from the field and hitting 42.1% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 54%, with 8 made threes on 19 attempts.
Elijah Saunders led the way with 21 points, shooting 7/9 from the field. Matt Mayock added 16 points, hitting 4 of 5 threes, while Taine Murray connected on 3 of 4 from deep, finishing with 13 points.
Virginia’s defense gave up 58 points, with the opposing team shooting 46% from the field, making 23 of their 50 shots. Inside the arc, they connected on 48% of their attempts, going 15/31.
From three-point range, the opponents hit 8 of 19 shots, good for 42%. At the free-throw line, they went 9/14, shooting 64%. Virginia allowed 6 offensive rebounds.