Miami Visits Virginia in an Important ACC Showdown

NCAA basketball action on Monday features an ACC showdown when the Miami Hurricanes visit the No. 15 ranked Virginia Cavaliers. The current line has Virginia favored by 9.5 points with the over/under point total on 118.

Entering this game, Miami has an overall record of 18-8 straight up and 8-16 against the spread. On the road, the Hurricanes are 3-4 SU and 3-3 ATS. Virginia on the season is 18-8 SU and 14-10 ATS. At home, the Cavaliers are 10-3 SU and 6-5 ATS.

The two teams have identical records but are heading in opposite directions. Struggling Virginia hosts Miami in an important game for both.

Miami has won two consecutive games and four of its past five following Saturday’s win over Clemson. Virginia has lost three consecutive games and 5 of its past 7 overall.

Ja’Quan Newton, Miami’s second leading scorer will sit out his third consecutive game due to violating team rules, but the team would not comment further. With this game, Miami begins a run of three of its next four games on the road.

Virginia is No. 1 in the nation in points allowed giving up just 55.8 per game, but has given up an average of over 66 points per game in its past five games. On offense, the Cavaliers rely on outside shooting and that has failed them during their poor run of results.

Miami is not deep and with Newton on the bench, it makes it even harder on defense. Miami coach Jim Larranaga says the key for his team is holding opponents under 70 points.

Davon Reed the team’s leading scorer at 15.7 points per games also leads in field goal percentage from 3-point territory at 41.4%.

Virginia has won games without having several scorers producing for them and that could be starting to catch up with the team. Guard London Perrantes leads the team in scoring at 12.6 points per game, but is the only Cavaliers player averaging double figures.

Virginia has won four of its past five games against Miami, including a win in the ACC semifinals by 5 points last March.

Miami is 3-7 ATS in its past 10 games on the road.

Virginia is 1-4 ATS in its past 5 games played.

Prediction: Miami is playing much better ball right now than Virginia, but the Cavaliers are on their home court and know they must step up know. Lean here towards Virginia.