Morgan State Bears (4-10) vs. Virginia Cavaliers (9-2)
Morgan State Bears vs. Virginia Cavaliers 12/27/23 – The Morgan State Bears and the Virginia Cavaliers are two teams on opposite ends of the standings that will face off Wednesday. Morgan State is struggling to a 4-10 record, while Virginia has already established itself as one of the ACC powers. While the Virginia looks favorite, Morgan State has shown a tendency to play up or down to their competition. For the latest multi-handicapper premium tips, read on for a full analysis of this matchup.
Morgan State has put up 74.6 points per game, but its defense is abysmal and gets torched for 80.9 points per contest. The Bears shoot a paltry 31.9% from 3-point range and get dominated on the glass, averaging just 36.9 rebounds. Guard Wynston Tabbs is a lone bright spot, scoring 16.4 points per game, but he will be in for a tough defensive test.
The Virginia Cavaliers have been a defensive juggernaut this season, holding teams to a mere 57.5 points per game. They also dominate the glass, grabbing over 32 rebounds a night. Virginia has more talent and depth at nearly every position. Guard Reece Beekman leads a balanced attack with 12.5 points and 5.5 assists per game and will look to pick apart the Morgan State defense.
Morgan State Bears vs. Virginia Cavaliers 12/27/23 Game Info
| When: | Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | John Paul Jones Arena |
| TV: | ACCN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Wynston Tabbs (Guard) vs. Reece Beekman (Guard)
Wynston Tabbs is the lead scorer for Morgan State, averaging 16.4 points per game along with 3.2 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He shoots the ball well from the field (43.1%) and from 3-point range (34.6%). Tabbs will need to stay aggressive on offense if the Bears want to keep this game close on the road. However, his defense leaves something to be desired at times.
Reece Beekman is the floor general for Virginia, averaging 12.5 points, 3.5 rebounds, 5.5 assists and 2.5 steals per contest. He has excellent court vision and playmaking ability but also shoots the ball efficiently (46.9% FG). Beekman is a menace on defense, constantly applying pressure and forcing turnovers. His defensive prowess could give Tabbs problems all game long.
This matchup pits one of the ACC’s top scorers in Tabbs against one of the conference’s best defenders in Beekman. Whichever player gets the better of this battle could determine the outcome of this ACC clash.
NCAAB Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
As of now, the betting odds for this matchup are yet to be determined. However, considering the disparity in the teams’ records and recent performance, it’s likely that the Virginia Cavaliers will be the favorites in this contest. The total points over/under will also be determined closer to the game day.
Morgan State Bears Betting Trends
Morgan State has gone OVER the total in 3 of their last 5 overall games. The Bears are also 3-2 against the spread (ATS) in their last 5 contests, showcasing some value as large underdogs. Morgan State tends to play up or down to their competition. As 16.5-point road underdogs against a Virginia team giving up under 60 points per contest, expect the Bears to put up a fight.
Virginia Cavaliers Betting Trends
Virginia has gone UNDER the total in 4 out of their last 5 games. The Cavalier defense is allowing just 57.5 points per game this season. Virginia is also 3-2 ATS in their last 5 games and could be overvalued as sizable 16.5-point home favorites. If Morgan State can scrape together enough offense, this large point spread gives them enough wiggle room to cover.
Morgan State Bears vs. Virginia Cavaliers 12/27/23 Betting Picks
This matchup pits a porous Morgan State defense against one of the stingiest defenses in all of college basketball. Expect Virginia to impose their will defensively, slowing down the pace and forcing the Bears into tough shots all game long. For the latest NCAAB free tips and advice, take the Cavaliers to cover the 16.5-point spread in a low scoring defensive battle. Virginia’s defense should shine at home.
Free Pick and Prediction: Virginia Cavaliers 70, Morgan State Bears 55