The Virginia Tech Hokies (18-13) battle the Cincinnati Bearcats (20-11) Wednesday at Fifth Third Arena. Tip in the 1st-round NIT game is set for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN2). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Virginia Tech vs. Cincinnati odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
The Hokies finished their season with a 97-77 loss against N.C. State after beating Notre Dame 67-64 in their opening ACC Tournament game. They covered just 2 of their last 6 games and were 13-20 against the spread (ATS) on the season. Tech finished 36th in offense and 139th in defensive rating per Kenpom.
Cincinnati ranked 54th in Kenpom, sitting 55th in offensive and 66th in defensive rating. It lost to Houston 69-48 in the AAC Tournament following an 84-54 win over Temple. The Bearcats covered 8 of their last 12 games. They ended 21-11 ATS on the season.
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Virginia Tech at Cincinnati odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 11:33 p.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Virginia Tech +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Cincinnati -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Virginia Tech +5.5 (-110) | Cincinnati -5.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 151.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)
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Virginia Tech at Cincinnati picks and predictions
Prediction
Cincinnati 81, Virginia Tech 74
Moneyline
AVOID.
Virginia Tech is just 2-9 straight up on the road, making its plus-money value at (+190) not worth the risk. Pass here.
Against the spread
BET CINCINNATI -5.5 (-110).
The Hokies were an ACC-worst 2-9 ATS on the road while the Bearcats were an American-best 13-4 ATS at home. Cincinnati covered 3 of its last 4 games at home.
It also can play on both ends of the court, ranking top 75 in offensive and defensive efficiency while Virginia Tech ranks outside the top 125 in defensive efficiency. That’s going to be an issue and should bode well for the Bearcats.
Back CINCINNATI -5.5 (-110).
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Over/Under
LEAN OVER 151.5 (-115).
Both teams rank higher in offensive efficiency than defensive efficiency.
Prior to the ACC Tournament, the Hokies went Over in 5 of their last 8 games. Cincinnati went over in 6 of its last 7 prior to the AAC Tournament.
Considering both those aspects, bet OVER 151.5 (-115).
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