Miami Hurricanes (16-5) vs Virginia Tech Hokies (13-8)
Game Info: Tuesday, January 31, 2023 at 7:00 pm (Watsco Center)
Betting Odds: Miami Hurricanes -3.5 -- Over/Under: 145.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Miami Hurricanes will host the Virginia Tech Hokies in ACC play from the Watsco Center on ESPNU. Miami and Virginia Tech were once Big East rivals, and they’ve faced off 45 times. The Canes lead the all-time series, 25-20, but the Hokies have won three of the last four games.
Virginia Tech moved to 13-8 after beating Syracuse at home. The Hokies used a big first half to take down the Orange by 15 points. Virginia Tech scores 73.4 points per game, while allowing 66.3 ppg, and shooting 46.8% from the floor.
Virginia Tech responded to a six-game skid by winning their last two games, and there’s at least a glimpse of hope for the reigning ACC Tournament champions. The Hokies are winless in six tries on the road this season, so they face a mental uphill battle here. The Hokies have a well put together starting lineup, led by Sean Pedulla. The sophomore guard is enjoying a nice second-year leap, and he’s leading VT in scoring (15.5) and assists (4.1). Justyn Mutts (12.8 ppg, 7.6 rpg) and Grant Basile (14.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg) each give Tech nice production in the frontcourt, with the latter coming off of back-to-back 25-point performances in wins over Duke and Syracuse. Veteran guard Hunter Cattoor (10.4 ppg) hit five threes in both wins and joins Pedulla in the backcourt.
Miami dropped to 16-5 after losing to Pitt on the road. The Hurricanes couldn’t hold on to a slim halftime lead, and lost to the Panthers by three points. Miami scores 77.7 points per game, while allowing 69.5 ppg, and shooting 47.8% from the field.
Miami has traded their last eight games, and there’s a good chance it continues in their favor here after the loss to Pitt. Isaiah Wong leads the charge for a third season in a row for Jim Larranaga’s squad. The junior guard scored 25 points against N.C. State, and he’s leading the Canes in scoring (16.2) and assists (3.6), while grabbing 4.7 rpg. Former GMU guard Jordan Miller has complimented him well, and he’s averaging 15.1 ppg and 5.6 rpg through 21 games. Norchad Omier has been a menace on the glass, and after posting four double-doubles in the last five games, he’s leading the team in rebounding (10.4), while scoring 13.5 ppg. Former KState guard Nijel Pack has hit four or more treys in three of the last four games, and he’s scoring 12.1 ppg.
Virginia Tech is 8-13 against the spread this season, with a 11-9-1 over/under record. Miami is 12-9 ATS this year, with a 8-12-1 o/u record.
Virginia Tech showed signs of life last week, but they now have to head to South Beach, and attempt to win their first game as visitors this season. The Hokies road struggles have been alarming, and it’s unclear if they can be trusted outside of Blacksburg. The Canes is 11-0 at home themselves, and I like them coming through here in a bounce back effort. Take Miami’s spread for this ACC clash.