Virginia Tech vs Cincinnati Prediction - Basketball Picks 3/15/23
The Cincinnati Bearcats will play the Virginia Tech Hokies in the first round of the NIT on Wednesday night at Fifth Third Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Cincinnati Preview
The Cincinnati Bearcats are 21-12 (11-7) this season after they lost to Houston by a score of 69-48 in the Semifinals of the AAC Tournament. Cincinnati has won four of their last six games, with both losses in that time frame coming against Houston and Memphis. The Cincinnati Bearcats are averaging 77.2 points per game, 69.2 points against per game, 36.9 rebounds per game, and 15.8 assists per game. Landers Nolley has led the Bearcats this season with 16.6 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game, and 2.6 assists per game. Cincinnati is shooting 45% from the field, 69.7% on free throws, and 35.6% on three pointers this year.
Virginia Tech Preview
The Virginia Tech Hokies are 19-14 (8-12) this season after they lost to NC State by a score of 97-77 in the second round of the ACC Tournament. Virginia Tech did finish the season playing well and they have won three of their last four games. The Virginia Tech Hokies are averaging 74.2 points per game, 69.8 points against per game, 33.4 rebounds per game, and 15.5 assists per game. Grant Basile has led the Hokies this season with 16.4 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, and 1.7 assists per game. Virginia Tech is shooting 47% from the field, 73.5% on free throws, and 36.2% on three pointers this year.
Trends
Virginia Tech is 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games following an ATS loss and 7-19-1 ATS in their last 27 road games. The over is 5-1 in Virginia Tech’s last 6 road games. Cincinnati is 7-2 ATS in their last 9 Wednesday games and 19-8 ATS in their last 27 games. The over is 3-1-1 in Cincinnati’s last 5 home games.
Pick
Virginia Tech started the season playing great and looked primed to be a tournament team, but they were not able to carry that success over into the ACC. Neither team plays very strong defense, but Virginia Tech does have the higher shooting percentage on the season. I do question Virginia Tech’s motivation in this game, but I do think they have a very good chance to win this game, so I am going to take the Hokies with the points.
AUTHOR: David Racey
