NC State vs Virginia Prediction College Basketball Picks 12/31/24

In this article, we will formulate an NC State vs Virginia prediction for this College Basketball game on Tuesday, December 31st at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.

NC State Wolfpack Betting Preview

The NC State Wolfpack are 8-4 (1-0) this season after they defeated Rider by a score of 89-63 in their last game. NC State led 52-23 at halftime and they were able to get the win, despite being outscored in the second half. The Wolfpack shot 55.8% from the field, 35% on three-pointers, and 70.6% on free throws in the game. Jayden Taylor led NC State with 16 points and two assists, while Ben Middlebrooks and Breon Pass added 12 points each in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Wolfpack lost to Kansas by a score of 75-60 but did beat Coppin State and Florida State before that. NC State’s first conference game was that win against Florida State, which was by a score of 84-74 at home. NC State has scored 74.7 points per game and they have allowed 66 points per game, while also averaging 33.6 rebounds and 13.7 assists per game this season. Marcus Hill is averaging 12.6 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, while Jayden Taylor is averaging 12.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game this season. NC State is shooting 46.5% from the field, 69.1% on free throws, and 32% on three-pointers this year. NC State will meet Wake Forest after this game.

Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview

The Virginia Cavaliers are 7-5 (0-1) this year after they defeated American by a score of 63-58 in their last game. Virginia led 32-28 at halftime and they only scored 31 points in the second half, but they were able to get the narrow win. The Cavaliers shot 46% from the field, 42.1% on three-pointers, and 64.3% on free throws in the game. Elijah Saunders led Virginia with 21 points and eight rebounds, while Taine Murray added 13 points and two assists in the game. 

Prior to that win, the Cavaliers lost to Memphis by a score of 64-62 but did beat Bethune-Cookman by a score of 59-41 before that. The Cavaliers started conference play with a 63-51 loss against SMU on the road. Virginia has scored 61.6 points per game and they have allowed 60.3 points per game, while also averaging 32.4 rebounds and 14.3 assists per game this season. Isaac McKneely is averaging 12.1 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, while Elijah Saunders is averaging 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game this year. Virginia is shooting 43.6% from the field, 72.7% on free throws, and 37.9% on three-pointers this year. 

Why NC State will beat Virginia

• NC State has won each of its last seven games against Conference opponents.
• Virginia has lost the first half in each of its last three day games against Conference opponents.

Total Points Facts

• Each of NC State’s last 43 day games against Conference opponents has produced a total of 122+ points.
• Each of Virginia’s last four games against non-AP-ranked opponents has produced a total of 121 or fewer points.

NC State vs Virginia Prediction 

Virginia comes into this matchup after losing three of their last five games and they even struggled to get by American last time out. The Cavaliers have five losses against five pretty good teams so far this year, but it is definitely not the start they were looking for. NC State has won three of their last four games and they have also avoided any bad losses to start the season. 

The Wolfpack scored 89 points in their last game and they are definitely the better offensive team, as they are scoring 74.7 points per game. Virginia is scoring 61.6 points per game and they are shooting just 43.6% from the field. The Cavaliers may be rough on offense, but they are elite on defense, holding teams to just 60.3 points per game. On the flip side, NC State has been very solid on defense as well, allowing 66 points per game. I think the defenses are pretty even in this matchup, but I think NC State’s offensive ability will be the difference. Take the Wolfpack on the road.