The Ohio Bobcats (16-7) square off against the Virginia Cavaliers (18-6) in what's set to be an instant classic on Saturday night. Many experts have been calling for an upset in this spot and for good reason. The Bobcats come in as one of the hottest and most electric teams in the field. With Virginia being forced out of the ACC tournament (COVID), the public is hammering Ohio ATS, moving the line a whole three points already. Let’s continue our NCAA Odds series and make a Ohio-Virginia prediction and pick.
Here is how the sportsbooks have set the odds:
NCAA Odds: Ohio-Virginia Odds
Ohio Bobcats +7 (-105)
Virginia Cavaliers -7 (-115)
Over 130.5 Points (-105)
Under 130.5 Points (-115)
Why Ohio Could Cover The Spread
The Ohio Bobcats had an incredible 2021 season, which was capped off by a Mid-American Conference championship and an automatic bid to the tournament. After suffering a two point loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini, the Bobcats finished the season on a 9-1 ATS run. Ohio was 14-8 ATS in 2021 and has all of the momentum coming in. This Bobcats team is capable on the defensive end, especially with some added energy on Saturday night. What really makes them special is just how dominant they can be on the offensive end of the floor, though.
The Ohio Bobcats are thirteenth in the nation in effective field goal percentage (55.8%). Unselfish basketball has allowed the Cats to average over eighty points per game as a unit. A deep roster sees five players averaging double figures. Ohio's offense is led by guard Jason Preston (16.6 ppg) and Dwight Wilson III (66.5 fg%). What's most impressive is that this team averages 17.9 assists per game, which is good for sixth in the nation. Uptempo offense, volume shooting, and high percentage looks will lead the Ohio Bobcats to prosperity.
Why Virginia Could Cover The Spread
The Virginia Cavaliers were playing good basketball of late. Then things took a turn for the worse as COVID kept them out of the ACC tournament. The Virginia Cavaliers possess one of the best defenses in the nation. The defending national champions allowed just 60.2 points per game this season, which was the best in the ACC. They do a phenomenal job of controlling the tempo and slowing the game down. The Cavaliers have played the slowest pace of basketball in the nation in 2021. They are methodical in the way that they're able to pick teams apart.
Virginia was one of the best teams in the country and would've been seeded higher had they participated in the ACC tournament. They went on an 11-1 SU run earlier this season and have played consistently great basketball to date. First year transfer Sam Hauser has been especially good for the Cavs in 2021. Hauser has led this team, averaging 15.5 points per game (51 fg%, 43 3-p%). Senior forward Jay Huff (13.3 ppg, 7 rpb) will look to provide stability down low and dominant the paint area in this brawl. The Cavaliers possess the third best free throw percentage in the nation and will look to expand on their record of 18-4 SU as a favorite in 2021.
Final Ohio-Virginia Prediction & Pick
I'm always going to ride with the hot hand in a matchup that's fairly even. That belongs to the Ohio Bobcats. The Bobcats are playing phenomenal basketball on the offensive end. The defensive edge belongs to the Cavs, but we've seen that March provides an added boost for all teams on that end of the floor. Ohio's depth and offensive efficiency will allow them to find a rhythm and go on runs throughout this affair. Virginia should come out slow as they are arriving in Indy on Friday and will need some added time to shake off the rust. Ohio will be coming out hot!
FINAL PICK: Ohio +7 (-105)
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