Virginia vs. Virginia Tech Prediction: Critical Rivalry Game in Blacksburg

Rivalry games fill the college basketball season in the final weeks of every year. On Monday, the battle of Virginia will occur when the Cavaliers travel to Blacksburg to face the Hokies. 

Virginia enters the game as the 21st-ranked team in the nation. Virginia Tech is unranked, and while they have a 14-11, they’re 6-9 in the ACC. The ACC is one of the best conferences in America, and the Hokies don’t have the talent to compete against their conference foes. 

However, Virginia Tech is a young team poised for significant results in the coming season. The past few weeks have been tough for the team, but look for them to play aggressively on Monday. 

The Hokies are favored in the rivalry game, which is somewhat surprising, but bookmakers believe they will come out on fire at home. Here, we will break down the game and our best bets for Virginia vs. Virginia Tech.

Virginia vs. Virginia Tech Betting Odds for Monday, February 19

Virginia beat Virginia Tech by eight points at home on January 17. The Cavaliers dominated an excellent offensive team and proved they were the better program. 

Yet, the Cavaliers enter Monday’s game as a 2.5-point underdog. Virginia is +115 on the moneyline compared to the Hokies at -135. 

The total is set at 126.5, which is a low line. However, Virginia has one of the best defenses in the country. The road environment should also limit their scoring, making us eye the under for the game. 

Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. Follow our link and get $150 in bonus bets when you wager $5 on a winning bet.

Avoiding the game or betting on the eye-catching side is a good idea when the line looks weird. Bookmakers aren’t trying to give Virginia, a better team, +115 as a gift. 

However, we’re riding with the Cavaliers in the second round of the 2024 Virginia rivalry. The KenPom Rankings are the bible for college basketball betting.

Virginia is nationally ranked and shines in KenPom compared to the Hokies on defense. The Cavaliers have the eighth-ranked defense in the nation, according to the KenPom Rankings. 

The Hokies are 100th in this metric. The Cavaliers have struggled to score but still need to find a way to win in challenging road environments. 

In college basketball, good defense beats good offense more often because consistent play in the backcourt always remains strong. A good defensive team will be locked in more times than not, where offense will always fluctuate. 

Virginia has won four of their past five games, with the one loss coming to Pittsburgh at home. They beat Florida State and Clemson on the road over this stretch. 

Virginia Tech has lost four of its past five games and is coming off a double-digit loss to UNC. They beat Florida State at home but lost to Duke in Blacksburg by ten over this stretch. 

Good teams have beaten the Hokies in Blacksburg this season, and we expect it to happen again on Monday. 

The player to watch for Virginia is Reece Beekman. Beekman is a senior guard who is one of the most physical 6’3” seniors in the ACC. He is just 6’3” and 194 pounds, but he averages 3.2 rebounds and six assists per game while shooting 46% from the field. 

He broke the Hokies' backs in their first meeting of the season with 16 points, four assists, and four rebounds. The other guard to watch in this game is Sean Pedulla of Virginia Tech. 

He was fantastic against Virginia on the stat sheet in the first meeting, with 18 points, five assists, and six rebounds. Yet, he shot just 37.5% from the field. 

Virginia Tech must have one of their best offensive nights of the season to overcome Virginia’s defense. 

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Virginia vs. Virginia Tech Prediction and Betting Pick

Virginia has a lot going for them heading into Blacksburg. The Cavaliers are playing better basketball, with four wins in their past five games. 

Momentum means a lot heading into a rivalry game, and the Hokies haven’t had a winning resume in the past couple of weeks. 

The Cavaliers are a much better team and play elite defense. We prioritize defense in our betting and are doing it again on Monday.

• Virginia Cavaliers vs Virginia Tech Hokies State Pick: Virginia +2.5 (-110) at FanDuel Sportsbook

How to Watch New Mexico vs. San Diego State

• When: Monday, Feb. 19th @ 7:00 PM ET

• Where: Cassell Coliseum, Blacksburg, VA

• TV: ESPN

• Streaming: ESPN+

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