Virginia Cavaliers (9-1) vs. Memphis Tigers (8-2)
Virginia vs. Memphis 12/19/23 – In a highly anticipated NCAA Men’s Basketball matchup, the Virginia Cavaliers, with an impressive 9-1 record, are set to take on the formidable Memphis Tigers, who stand at 8-2. This clash is scheduled for Tuesday, December 19, 2023, at 7:00 PM ET, and will unfold at the FedExForum. Fans can catch the action live on ESP2. As both teams prepare to showcase their skills, fans and bettors alike are eagerly searching for NCAAB no-cost game day tips to gauge where the advantage might lie in this exhilarating encounter.
Virginia Cavaliers come into this matchup boasting an outstanding defensive record. Averaging just 66.8 points per game with a 46% field goal percentage, their offense might seem modest but their defensive prowess stands out: 32.6 rebounds per game on defense as well as 8.8 steals and 6 blocks each game – efficiency also being illustrated by their low turnover rate of 8 per game! Their disciplined approach could play a vital role in this contest.
Memphis Tigers display a more aggressive offensive strategy. Scoring an average of 79.6 points per game, their offensive prowess is evident. Their field goal percentage exceeds that of Cavaliers by just one percentage point at 45.5% while three-point shooting success stands at 33.5% success rate. Furthermore, Memphis has strong rebounding stats averaging 37.2 rebounds per game as well as 8.6 steals and 4.5 blocks per game on defense – yet their turnover rate of 13.2 could pose issues.
Virginia vs. Memphis 12/19/23 Game Info
| When: | Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | FedExForum |
| TV: | ESP2 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Reece Beekman (Guard) vs. David Jones (Forward)
Cavaliers’ guard Reece Beekman is the catalyst on both ends for Virginia. The junior contributes across the box score with 12.5 points, 5.7 assists and 2.7 steals per game while anchoring their perimeter defense. Beekman initiates the offense efficiently and defends the opposing team’s best wing scorer. His playmaking ability will be vital to unlocking Virginia’s half-court offense.
Tigers’ forward David Jones has been nearly unstoppable this season, using his athleticism to attack the rim and convert difficult shots. Jones leads Memphis in scoring (20.1 ppg) while shooting efficiently from the field (45.2%) and the charity stripe (81.1%). He will look to pace Memphis’s offense against Virginia’s stingy defense. His ability to finish through contact and crash the glass will be key factors to watch.
This matchup will be strength versus strength, with Beekman likely matching up directly against Jones for stretches during the game. If Beekman can force Jones into tough outside shots instead of allowing him easy buckets at the rim, it could stagnate Memphis’s offense. On the other end, Jones’s athleticism will be put to the test against Virginia’s rugged defense.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this matchup will hinge on several factors, including each team’s recent form and historical performance. Given the records and playing styles, the odds are likely to be closely contested, with a slight edge possibly given to the home team, Memphis.
Virginia Cavaliers Betting Trends
The Cavaliers have been excellent at home this season from a betting perspective, covering the spread in 6 of their last 7 home contests. They have also played a majority of home games under the total, going under in 5 of their last 6 games in Charlottesville. Virginia’s rugged defense travels well, giving bettors confidence in their ability to dictate pace and muck up possessions. Backing Virginia’s defense to control the tempo of this game is a sound wager.
Memphis Tigers Betting Trends
Memphis has defended their home court well, going 21-4 straight up in their last 25 games at the FedExForum. However, the Tigers have seen fewer home games go under the total recently, hitting the over in 3 of their last 10 contests. Memphis wants to push pace and overwhelm opponents offensively, so slower paced teams like Virginia could give them trouble. Relying on Memphis’s offense to excel against one of the stingiest defenses in the country is risky.
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Memphis Tigers 12/19/23 Betting Picks
Based on the analysis, this game is expected to be a tightly contested affair with both teams bringing their unique strengths to the court. Virginia’s disciplined defense will be up against Memphis’s high-scoring offense. The game is likely to be close, but Memphis might just edge out Virginia in a low-scoring, defensively focused game.
For expert premium picks, the safe bet might be on the team that can impose their game style effectively. Given the defensive strength of Virginia and the home-court advantage for Memphis, prop bets on defensive statistics and lower-scoring affairs could be wise. The over/under should be carefully considered, keeping in mind both teams’ tendencies to keep scores lower.
Free Pick and Prediction: Memphis Tigers 68, Virginia Cavaliers 63