Vermont vs. Virginia Tech Odds, Pick
| Vermont Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+9.5 -110 | 138.5 -110o / -110u | +375 |
| Virginia Tech Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-9.5 -110 | 138.5 -110o / -110u | -500 |
First, let me begin this preview by questioning why people willingly pay Vermont money to play against them. There are far worse teams that would take the same amount of money to get overwhelmed by an ACC team. That aside, the Virginia Tech Hokies host the Vermont Catamounts in Blacksburg.
Here's Vermont vs Virginia Tech odds and a pick.
Vermont Catamounts
Vermont is itching for revenge after losing to a struggling Colgate team last week. The Catamounts' defense didn't show up against Colgate and allowed an astonishing 1.22 points per possession.
Vermont head coach John Becker ingrains two things in his teams — pass up good shots for great shots (leading to a slow pace) and shoot a ton of 3s. That combination of factors leads to Vermont's reliance on making perimeter jumpers. The Catamounts attempt 3s on 48% of their field goals and hit 37% of them.
The Catamounts lack a star player, but the sum of parts is excellent. Perimeter marksman TJ Long is Vermont's best scorer, averaging 13.8 points per game and shooting 43% from 3. The 6-foot-4 Long has scored 23 or more points in two of the past three games.
Moreover, Vermont's offense could get more dynamic once Matt Veretto start to hit shots. He's scored only 17 points on 5-of-20 shooting in his past three games after missing one due to injury. Veretto can stretch out defenses in the pick-and-pop game and uses his footwork to drive when the defense comes out on him. He needs to make shots if Vermont's offense is going to find success.
However, that's not an easy task against Virginia Tech's rising star, Lynn Kidd.
Virginia Tech Hokies
Kidd's emergence at the five is immeasurably important for Virginia Tech's offense. Kidd has developed into one of the ACC's best breakout players — jumping from five points per game to over 15 points per contest. He's strong, big and fairly athletic for his 6-foot-11, 245-pound frame.
Although Virginia Tech has a more solidified identity in the paint, its bread and butter is still perimeter shooting. The Hokies attempt 3s on 40% of possessions, but connect just 33% of the time. That's the worst mark since Mike Young took over as head coach in 2019.
Guards Sean Pedulla and Hunter Cattoor provide some backcourt stability in the experience and scoring department. Cattoor is one of the best shooters in the game and demands defensive attention without the ball. That's the biggest compliment a shooter can get, but Cattoor can also drive on over-aggressive closeouts. On the other hand, Pedulla's numbers look worse across the board as he's averaging fewer points, has a worse shooting percentage and is turning it over more than last season. Still, he's a trustworthy point guard who needs to find his stride and avoid making bad decisions.
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Vermont vs. Virginia Tech
Betting Pick & Prediction
Both teams play slow, but both teams will take and make plenty of 3s. I don't expect a ton of defensive stops from either side, so I'll take the over as my best bet. Vermont allowed 77 points to Colgate last week and Virginia Tech's offense offers up a similar type of attack.
