Louisville Cardinals (4-3) vs. Virginia Tech Hokies (5-3)
Louisville Cardinals vs. Virginia Tech Hokies 12/3/23 – The Louisville Cardinals take on the Virginia Tech Hokies on Sunday in an ACC matchup. With both teams hovering around .500, this game will be important in trying to gain momentum going forward. This matchup, taking place at 4:00 PM ET in the Cassell Coliseum and aired on ACCN, is capturing the attention of basketball fans eager for NCAAB predictions tonight.
Louisville has struggled with consistency so far this season. Their offense has shown flashes, scoring over 80 points three times, but they’ve also been held under 70 points three times. Defensively they are allowing over 73 points per game. For Louisville to win, they’ll need their scorers like Skyy Clark to be hitting shots and their defense to step up.
Virginia Tech has won three of their last four games, with their balanced attack leading the way. They have six players averaging over 9 points per game, led by guard Hunter Cattoor. Their ability to score from all areas of the court has powered them this season. Defensively, they’ve held opponents under 70 points four times. Limiting Louisville’s playmakers and forcing mistakes will be key.
Louisville Cardinals vs. Virginia Tech Hokies 12/3/23 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 4:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Cassell Coliseum |
| TV: | ACCN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Skyy Clark (Guard) vs. Hunter Cattoor (Guard)
Skyy Clark has made an immediate impact for Louisville as a freshman, leading the team in scoring. In just 24 minutes per game, Clark is averaging 17.4 points on 43.7% shooting. He can create his own shot from anywhere on the court. Clark is also distributing the ball well, averaging 2.7 assists. He will look to use his dynamic scoring ability to lift Louisville’s offense. The one area of concern is turnovers, as he averages close to 3 per game.
Hunter Cattoor is the leader of Virginia Tech’s balanced attack, averaging 14.9 points per game. He is an efficient scorer, shooting 41.2% from the field and 37.1% from three. Cattoor also contributes in other areas like rebounding and defense, adding veteran experience. He excels playing off the ball and spotting up from the perimeter. His three-point shooting could prove vital if this game comes down to the wire.
Cattoor and Clark are both explosive scorers who can single-handedly take over games. Whichever guard can impose their will and involve their teammates effectively could determine who comes out on top in this ACC battle. Both will be tested defensively and need to limit mistakes.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: Virginia Tech Hokies -11.5, Total 148
The oddsmakers have Virginia Tech as double-digit favorites playing at home. This large spread indicates they expect the Hokies to control this game, especially with Louisville having road struggles lately. But the Cardinals have played VT tight in recent meetings, hence bettors may see value backing the underdogs. The total is set at a relatively high 148 points. With two capable offenses, this game could certainly eclipse that mark if shots are falling or defense lapses.
Louisville Cardinals Betting Trends
Louisville’s games have gone over the total in 7 of their last 9 games, signaling high-scoring contests. However, they’ve particularly struggled against ACC opponents, with an 0-5 record SU in their last 5 conference games. The Cardinals also have a losing record SU in their last 17 games overall. But they could keep this matchup tight based on a dominant 8-2 SU record in their previous 10 meetings with Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Trends
Virginia Tech trends have leaned under recently, doing so in 4 of their last 6 games. But in their last 14 games against ACC opponents, 10 have gone over the total. The Hokies are 5-1 SU in their last 6 homes games, continuing to defend Cassell Coliseum well this season. They are 4-2 SU over their last 6 games overall, building momentum leading into this matchup.
Louisville Cardinals vs. Virginia Tech Hokies 12/3/23 Betting Picks
Based on the analysis and betting trends, Virginia Tech appears to have the upper hand in this matchup, especially considering their home-court advantage and free-throw shooting efficiency. However, Louisville’s historical success against Virginia Tech and their ability to score heavily make them a potential underdog in covering the spread.
In terms of exclusive premium picks, while Virginia Tech might be the safer pick for a straight win, Louisville could be an intriguing choice for covering the spread. The over/under presents a tricky decision, but given both teams’ scoring trends, the game might lean towards the OVER.
Free Pick and Prediction: Virginia Tech Hokies 81, Louisville Cardinals 72