Virginia (6-4) vs Memphis (8-2)
December 18, 2024 at 07:00 PM EST
The Line: Betting Odds: Virginia +4.5 / Memphis -4.5 — Over/Under: 130.5
The Memphis Tigers are visiting the Virginia Cavaliers on Wednesday, December 18th at the John Paul Jones Arena. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best bets for this game. Here’s a Memphis Tigers vs Virginia Cavaliers Prediction.
Virginia Cavaliers Preview
The Virginia Cavaliers have a 6-4 record this season and are coming off a 54-41 win over Bethune Cookman. The Cavaliers are 3-7 against the spread, and 4-6 in over/under, while having a 5-0 home record.
Offensively, Virginia is averaging 61.4 points per game, which ranks 355th in the nation. Defensively, they are allowing 60.2 points per game, which is the 13th-best nationally. The Cavaliers shoot 43.8% from the field (234th) and 38.1% from beyond the arc (44th). The Cavaliers shoot 72.9% from the free throw line (139th) and are grabbing 32.5 rebounds per game (328th).
Isaac McNeely leads Virginia scoring this season, with an average of 12.9 points and a team-high 3 assists, while Elijah Saunders adds 10 points and 5.1 rebounds.
Memphis Tigers Preview
The Memphis Tigers have an 8-2 record this season and are coming off an 87-82 win in Clemson. The Tigers are 7-3 against the spread, and 7-3 in over/under while having a 2-0 road record.
Offensively, Memphis is averaging 81.1 points per game, which ranks 68th in the nation. Defensively, they allow 77.1 points per game (303rd). The Tigers shoot 47.3% from the field (98th) and 44.3% from beyond the arc, which is the second-best in the nation. The Tigers shoot 73.3% from the free-throw line (126th) and are grabbing 35.1 rebounds per game (250th).
PJ Haggerty leads Memphis in scoring with an average of 21.9 points, adding 6 rebounds and a team-high 3.5 assists, while Tyrese Hunter adds 16 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. Memphis will take on Mississippi State, Ole Miss, FAU, and North Texas after this one.
Why the Virginia Cavaliers will win
- Virginia has won each of its last 16 night games against non-conference opponents at John Paul Jones Arena.
- Virginia has won the first half in 14 of its last 16 night games against non-conference opponents at John Paul Jones Arena.
Why the Memphis Tigers will win
- Memphis has won each of its last 12 night games against non-conference opponents.
- Virginia has lost each of its last three games against the American Athletic Conference.
- Memphis has won the first half in four of its last five games against the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Memphis Tigers vs Virginia Cavaliers Prediction
Both teams are tied 1-1 wins in their previous two meetings, with each one winning at home. In their most recent meeting last season, Memphis won 77-54 at home. In this Memphis Tigers vs Virginia Cavaliers Prediction, Memphis is coming as a -4.5 road favorite. Memphis is better offensively, scoring 19.7 points more than Virginia, while Virginia is better defensively, allowing 16.9 points less. The Tigers have better-shooting percentages, ranking in the top 100 in field goal percentage while boasting the second-best 3-point percentage nationally. On the other hand, the Cavaliers are a bottom-130 team in field goal percentage and bottom-40 in rebounding, so the value here lies with the road team. Take the Memphis Tigers and lay the points on the road.