Virginia vs Clemson Preview

Virginia & Clemson Meet in ACC Showdown

Featuring a potential ACC Championship game preview, ESPN features a boat load of talent Saturday night at Littlejohn Coliseum. Tony Bennett and his 18th ranked 8-2 Cavaliers head down south to take on Brad Brownell’s underappreciated 12th ranked 9-1 Tigers team. 

Virginia enters this contest on a covering streak of 12 out of their past 17 dating back to last season. Clemson enters this contest covering six out of nine on the season but losing 10 in a row to the Cavaliers.

Virginia Cavaliers vs Clemson Tigers
  • Date/Time: January 16, 6 p.m. ET
  • Stadium: Littlejohn Coliseum
  • TV Coverage: ESPN
  • Sportsbook Odds: Clemson -2 | O/U 116.5 (Line History)
  • Cavaliers vs Tigers Matchup Report

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

Clemson shockingly, but deservedly so, opens at a two-point favorite Saturday night. Since open, this line has narrowed down a bit to -1 inching back towards a pick'em by tipoff. The total on the other hand opened at 116.5 and now has risen to 118 in most books.

Virginia Cavaliers News & Notes

This Virginia Cavaliers team enters this game with a veteran crew on deck. With four out of five starters being upperclassman, this team has Tony Bennett’s system ingrained in their heads. Transferring from Marquette, the Cavaliers are led by Senior standout Sam Hauser who comes into this game averaging a team high 13.8 points per contest. 

Other than junior guard Kihei Clark, this Virginia team is absolutely stacked with height showcasing six players who are either 6’8 or taller. The Cavaliers are rolling as of late winning four straight covering three out of four rather easily. They also rank 25th in field goal percentage and seventh free throw percentage.

Clemson Tigers News & Notes

What an impressive season for the Clemson Tigers thus far ranking 12th nationally in the middle of January. In season 10 for Brad Brownell, he has coached this team in multiple ways toying with 10 starters thus far. Mainly led by senior forward Aamir Simms who leads this team with 12.6 points per game. 

After Simms, there are five other role players that all average within five points per game of each other. This Clemson team allows less than 58 points per game, good for ninth in the Country. The Tigers enter this contest scolding hot winning nine out of 10 to start the season.

Betting Pick : UNDER 117

Sure, on the surface the total looks absurdly low. You are right, but the number is justified. Virginia ranks 17th nationally in defensive points per game which is surprisingly underperforming for Tony Bennett’s system. Clemson on the other hand is even more impressive, coming in at the number nine spot in points allowed. Less than a year ago these two teams combined for 95 points in a game Vegas set the total at 107.  The UNDER is the sharp play.

Shark Bites
  • Virginia has won 10 in a row against Clemson.
  • Clemson has won five in a row at home.
  • Virginia is 4-1 against the spread in their last five games on the road against Clemson.
VIR is 10-0 SU in its last 10 vs CLEM. CLEM is 5-0 SU in its last 5 at home.home VIR is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 on the road vs CLEM.
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