The Miami Hurricanes, currently holding a record of 21-5 with a 10-3 mark in the ACC, are set to face the No. 14 Virginia Cavaliers, boasting an impressive 23-3 record and 11-2 in conference play. This highly anticipated matchup is scheduled for Saturday at 2 p.m. ET at the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia, and will be broadcast on ESPN2.
Miami enters the game on a high note, having won four consecutive games and six out of their last seven, including a narrow 67-66 victory against Virginia Tech on Tuesday. Guard Tre Donaldson shone in that contest, racking up a game-high 32 points, while Dante Allen contributed 10 points, the only other player from Miami to reach double digits.
In contrast, Virginia is also on a winning streak, having secured seven victories in a row, most recently dominating Georgia Tech with a score of 94-68. The Cavaliers not only won that game but also covered the spread as a 13.5-point favorite, with forward Thijs De Ridder leading the scoring with 22 points and guard Dallin Hall achieving a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, Miami will enter the game as the underdog with odds set at +260 on the moneyline, while Virginia stands at -325. The spread favors Virginia by 7.5 points, and the over/under for total points is set at 145.5.
Experts predict a close contest, with a final score prediction leaning towards Virginia at 73 and Miami at 69. However, they advise betting on Miami to cover the spread at +7.5, given their strong recent performance. Meanwhile, there is also a suggested bet on the under at 145.5 points, attributable to Virginia’s excellent defensive record, which has limited opponents to 68 points or fewer in their last six outings.
This matchup promises to be an exciting clash between two in-form teams, with Miami looking to solidify their position in the top 25 while Virginia aims to maintain their momentum. The outcome will depend significantly on the performance of each team’s key players and their ability to execute under pressure. Fans can look forward to a thrilling game as both teams vie for supremacy in the ACC.