The Virginia Cavaliers didn’t have the strongest finish to the regular season, but they escaped ACC play with a No. 5 seed in the East Region of the NCAA tournament. The Cavs’ opponent in the Round of 64, UNC Wilmington, is no slouch, as the Seahawks possess a potent offense that ranked in the top 10 in the country. Oddsmakers initially set the Seahawks as 8-point underdogs with a total of 135.5.
- Virginia is 7-2 ATS in its last nine games as a favorite of 8.5 or more.
- Virginia is 21-5 SU in its last 26 games after a loss.
- UNC Wilmington is 7-2 ATS in its last nine games as underdog.
UNC Wilmington averages 85.2 points per game and reached 100 on seven occasions this year, but is going up against a formidable Virginia defensive front that led the nation in fewest points allowed (55.6). The Cavaliers held six different opponents to under 45 points this season.
The Seahawks are carrying a seven-game winning streak into the NCAA tournament and will be looking to take down an ACC power after falling to Duke 93-85 last spring. UNC Wilmington’s biggest issue is a lack of size, however, as the team’s tallest player is six-foot-seven sophomore forward Devontae Cacok.
Due to Virginia’s ability to slow the pace of the game like no one else in the NCAA, the UNDER is a fantastic bet when the Cavaliers hit the floor. Each of Virginia’s last eight games has gone UNDER the closing total.
UNC Wilmington Seahawks vs Virginia Cavaliers Matchup
Team Betting Records & Power Rankings
The Virginia Cavaliers sit at 22-10 (19-12 ATS) on the college basketball season. By comparison, the UNC Wilmington Seahawks are currently 29-5 (14-15-1 ATS). Looking to bet on the total points scored? Virginia is 12-19 OU, and UNC Wilmington is 16-14 OU.
According to new college basketball power rankings here at Odds Shark, it's the No. 86-ranked Virginia Cavaliers and the No. 10-rated UNC Wilmington Seahawks in this matchup.
Statistical Matchup
When it comes to rebounds, the visiting UNC Wilmington Seahawks rank No. 134 in NCAA Basketball Division 1 with 35.91 per game. That compares with Virginia’s No. 234 ranking in that category. The story is different when it comes to three-point shooting where Virginia is college basketball's No. 170-ranked team at 7 per game, while the UNC Wilmington Seahawks rate No. 18 with 9.59 per game.
Recent Outings Betting Recap
C.J. Bryce scored 24 points leading the Seahawks to a 78-69 victory over College of Charleston at North Charleston Coliseum on Monday.
The Cavaliers endured a 71-58 loss at the hands of the Fighting Irish on Thursday, despite a 12-point effort from Devon Hall at Barclays Center.
