Vermont-Virginia odds: Defending champs get big test

Previewing Tuesday’s Vermont Catamounts at Virginia Cavaliers sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball matchup analysis.

The Vermont Catamounts (4-0) provide a big test for the Virginia Cavaliers (3-0) at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Va. Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Vermont-Virginia odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Vermont at Virginia: Three things you need to know

1. Vermont senior big man Anthony Lamb sunk St. John’s in New York last time out, hitting a game-winning shot in the dying seconds. Overall he is averaging 18.3 points and 10.5 rebounds to lead the Catamounts.

2. Vermont is averaging just 64.8 points per game on offense while allowing 59.2 points per game defensively. As such, the Under is a perfect 4-0 to date.

3. Virginia has picked up three wins, covering twice, and the Under has connected in all three of its outings so far, too.


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Vermont at Virginia: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 1 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Virginia 63, Vermont 54

Moneyline (ML)

There was no moneyline listed at the time of publishing.

Against the Spread (ATS)

VERMONT (+14.5, +100) is battled tested, having recorded strong wins over St. John’s, as well as fellow mid-major powerhouses Bucknell and St. Bonaventure in their cribs already this season. The Catamounts won’t be intimidated playing at JPJ.

Virginia (-14.5, -120) has the big man Mamadi Diakite, and he is likely to neutralize Lamb somewhat. If he has his hands full, the Catamounts could make the Cavaliers work pretty hard. I expect this game to be decided in single digits.

Over/Under (O/U)

PASS. The total (113.5) is going to be super close to the number one way or the other in a defensive slog. It’s my personal rule of thumb that I try not to bet totals lower than 130 in college hoops. This is the equivalent to a 37- or 38-point number in college football. It’s just too low.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Utah Valley-Kentucky odds: UK heavily favored over UVU

Previewing Monday’s Utah Valley Wolverines at Kentucky Wildcats sports betting odds and lines, with college basketball analysis and picks.

The Utah Valley Wolverines (3-1) head east to face the Kentucky Wildcats (2-1) at Rupp Arena Monday at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Utah Valley-Kentucky odds and betting lines, while providing college basketball betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Utah Valley at Kentucky: Three things you need to know

1. Not many expected Utah Valley would have a win more recently than Kentucky, but the Wildcats were tripped up by Evansville last time out by a 67-64 score as 24.5-point favorites.

2. Kentucky’s offense has been sluggish, averaging just 74.7 points per game (PPG), and they’re 334th on 3-pointers at just 24.5 percent from behind the arc.

3. G Ashton Hagans (leg) is a question mark for Monday’s game against the Wolverines.


Get some action on this game or others by placing a bet at BetMGM!


Utah Valley at Kentucky: Odds, betting lines and picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Kentucky 79, Utah Valley 54

Moneyline (ML)

There is no moneyline for this game at the time of publishing due to the large spread, but even if one were to be released by tip-off, the risk is not worth the meager reward.

Against the Spread (ATS)

KENTUCKY (-24.5, -115) had cashed in nine straight games against the spread before its loss to the Purple Aces last time out. The Wildcats are also 5-2 ATS in the past seven at Rupp Arena.

Utah Valley (+24.5, -105) is just 1-5 ATS in the past six games overall, and 2-5 ATS in the past seven non-conference tilts. The Wolverines have three wins, but they haven’t faced a team remotely close to the caliber of Big Blue.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 136.5 (-121) is the play. Kentucky is still working out the kinks on offense, and should do just that against the Wolverines. However, UVU won’t contribute much to the total in this game where it’ll be quite overwhelmed. Look for freshman G Tyrese Maxey to show out in this one.

Get some action on this game or others, place a bet with BetMGM today. And for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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