Virginia vs NC State Odds
| Virginia Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Total Points | Moneyline |
+1.5 -105 | 127.5 -115o / -105u | +105 |
| NC State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Point Spread | Total Points | Moneyline |
-1.5 -115 | 127.5 -115o / -105u | -125 |
This ACC matchup will feature the visiting Virginia Cavaliers against the NC State Wolfpack. The ACC looks lean on tournament bids right now, but both teams here could factor into the Big Dance discussion.
Here's college basketball odds and a pick for Virginia vs. NC State.
Virginia Cavaliers
Virginia suffered a stunning loss as 9.5-point road favorites against a lousy Notre Dame team last weekend. The loss outlined more of the Cavaliers' offensive shortcomings — headlined by a lack of perimeter shot creation and shooting, and an overall lack of flow. I hate criticizing a national title-winning coach like Tony Bennett, but something has to give. Virginia ranks 129th in offensive efficiency and isn’t showing signs of improvement.
Star guard Reece Beekman is arguably the nation's best defender, which makes up most of his value. His offensive game is underrated as a speedy guard who attacks the rim and can create shots for others, but who can make the shots? Outside of Isaac McKneely, who scored 18 points in Virginia's recent win over Louisville, I don't trust anyone else on this team to score consistently. McKneely is shooting a dazzling 48% from deep on over five attempts per game.
The one player who could open Virginia's offense up more is Andrew Rohde. The St. Thomas transfer shined in the Summit League as a freshman but hasn't brought the same form to Charlottesville. Rohde boasts a different skill set than any other player in Virginia's offense with size, handling and perimeter shooting. Virginia could benefit from Rohde developing confidence during ACC play.
Bennett has a bonafide NBA player in versatile Ryan Dunn. Similar to Beekman, the 6-foot-8 forward is one of the sport's best defensive players and excels at causing turnovers. The main reason for Virginia's elite turnover-forcing ability comes from Dunn using his length to get into passing lanes. He's a dominant player on the glass and on defense.
Ready to get in on the college basketball betting action in North Carolina? You’ll soon be able to join in on NC sports betting, as the state is expected to come online in 2024.
NC State Wolfpack
While NC State isn’t as dominant without Jarkel Joiner and Terquavion Smith, the Wolfpack have a very steady offense headed by big man DJ Burns Jr. The 6-foot-10 Burns is fresh off scoring the game-winning basket over Notre Dame this week. He’ll be a matchup problem for Virginia, who plays freshman Blake Buchanan or Jake Groves at the five — both are advantageous matchups for the All-ACC caliber big.
The Wolfpack are pretty even on both ends of the floor, ranking 83rd in offensive efficiency and 65th in defensive efficiency. If you’re looking for one key in NC State's game, though, it’s perimeter shooting. Starting guard trio DJ Horne, Jayden Taylor, and Casey Morsell can all hit outside shots, and connecting on those against Virginia’s pack-line defense will prove important.
NC State’s resume is very clean, meaning it hasn’t sustained any head-scratching losses. But there aren’t any huge wins to show the committee it belongs in the NCAA Tournament, either. This game will fall under the Quad 2 umbrella, as Virginia sits 49th in the NET Rankings. NC State could still use wins over quality NCAA Tournament teams, which Virginia is.
Virginia vs. NC State
Betting Pick & Prediction
NC State has two things weighing in its favor — the home crowd and a different offensive gear. Virginia lacks an explosive offensive gear, while NC State can push the pace and hit threes. I'm always pro-backing home teams who need big wins. Winning road games in college basketball isn't an easy task.
From a pure talent perspective, I value the teams fairly similarly. Virginia has the two most physically gifted players in Beekman and Dunn, but the next best four players wear red and white.
