March Madness: Virginia Tech vs. Texas odds, picks and predictions
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Virginia Tech vs. Texas odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Texas 62, Virginia Tech 60
Money line
LEAN to TEXAS (-130).
The Longhorns play a very slow and methodical pace, unlike what Tech saw in its last two conference games. They will meet the Hokies with a powerful mix of aggressive defense and steady offense.
Texas, per Kenpom, ranks 33rd in the nation in adjust offensive rating and 14 in adjusted defensive rating whereas Tech sits 18th and 52nd, respectively.
While Tech is riding high, its play against Duke is unsustainable and its win over North Carolina was more about the Tar Heels' flaws. G Hunter Cattoor went 7-for-9 from deep as the Hokies shot 50% from the field to topple Duke, while UNC's starting backcourt went 5-for-27 in that victory.
The Hokies are also getting major love with 67% of the betting tickets per pregame.com, yet just 62% of the cash is on Tech.
The battle-tested Longhorns, elite on both ends of the court, should be able to come out on top in this one if Tech (which it should) comes back to reality offensively.
Against the spread
PASS.
This projects as one of Friday's closest battles, one reason I'll stay away from the 1-point spread.
Over/Under
LEAN to UNDER 123.5 (-112).
Neither the Longhorns nor the Hokies want to run. They each rank outside the top 300 in adjusted pace and also each has a defense that ranks in the nation's top 20 in opponents' points per game.
Tech went under the projected total in seven of its last eight regular-season games. Texas is 14-18 O/U on the season and just 3-10 O/U in non-conference games.
The styles and season-long trends point to the UNDER 123.5 (-112), and that's what I lean to here.
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