The No. 6 Virginia Cavaliers (8-1, 1-0 ACC) battle the No. 22 Miami Hurricanes (11-1, 2-0) Tuesday. Tip from Watsco Center is set for 8:30 p.m. ET (ACC Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Virginia vs. Miami odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings courtesy of the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.
The Cavaliers lost 69-61 at home to the No. 3 Houston Cougars Saturday as they failed to cover as 2.5-point underdogs. Virginia fell to 5-1 straight up at home and is just 3-6 against the spread (ATS) this season after failing to cover in 5 straight games. Virginia’s strength is in its defense, sitting 15th in opponents’ points per game (59.1).
The Hurricanes improved to 8-0 at home when they crushed St. Francis (PA) 91-76 Saturday but failed to cover as 25-point home favorites. Miami is 4-2 ATS over its last 6 games and is 6-6 ATS this season. Miami’s strength is in its offensive efficiency, ranking 36th in field goal percentage (48.7%).
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Virginia at Miami odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:16 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Virginia -190 (bet $190 to win $100) | Miami +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
- Against the spread (ATS): Virginia -3.5 (-115) | Miami +3.5 (-105)
- Over/Under (O/U): 131.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Virginia at Miami picks and predictions
Prediction
Miami 68, Virginia 65
Moneyline
PASS.
I like Miami (+145) here, but I would rather take the points than risk it on the moneyline despite the juicy payout.
Against the spread
BET MIAMI +3.5 (-105).
The Hurricanes’ only blemish on the season was an 88-70 loss against Maryland, but the Terrapins shot 60% from the field and 43% from deep.
Miami has the variety in scoring to keep this game close as well with 4 players averaging double figures — 2 of whom are topping 15 points per game.
Virginia has failed to cover 5 straight, and while its defense has been the calling card for the past several seasons, they rank just 73rd in opponents’ field goal percentage (40.4%), so it might not be as elite as many think.
With that in mind and the Hurricanes’ strength at home, I would back MIAMI +3.5 (-105).
Over/Under
LEAN OVER 131.5 (-110).
The Cavaliers’ pace should determine the total here. They are 5-4 O/U this season, 2-2 O/U in their last 4 games and 2-1 O/U away from home.
Miami sits 129th in opponents’ three-point shooting (31.6%), so you should expect the Cavaliers to get some open looks from deep. The Hurricanes are 2-1 O/U in their last 3 games as well.
Back the OVER 131.5 (-110) but only for a partial unit.
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