Virginia Back on Track

Virginia is the current favorite with NCAA basketball odds and it could have the class edge over the Bulldogs.

Defense Key for Cavaliers

The Cavaliers aren’t happy with being 2-2 after losses to Navy and Houston, but the defense has been impressive.

After a shocking opening loss to Navy as 15-point favorites, they covered a sizable 17½-point spread in a win against Radford. However, just as they were getting momentum, they suffered a 67-47 loss as a five-point underdog to Houston.

The Cavaliers also failed to cover a spread when beating Coppin State, so bettors could feel some trepidation when taking the -7½ against Georgia. However, we’re confident the Cavaliers have the better team, and it’s mostly due to the defense.

They have allowed only 59.3 points per game, good for 51st in the country. The offensive statistics might be awful, including 326th in points scored, but they are tough to score upon.

A low-scoring game is expected, which would help Virginia’s chances of covering the betting online spread.

Georgia Looked Flat

We expected the Georgia Bulldogs to perform much better than they did against Georgia Tech in the rivalry game.

The 88-78 loss was a step in the wrong direction for the Bulldogs, who are listed as the home team, but playing in New Jersey won’t feel like home.

They have failed to cover their last two spreads, and the only spread success came when losing to Cincinnati. The spread was +10½, so the 73-68 loss was a win for Georgia bettors.

In their second contest of the season, the University of Cincinnati men’s basketball team defeated the visiting Georgia Bulldogs 73-68 on Saturday. https://t.co/b6VBd4BGL6

— The News Record (@NewsRecord_UC) November 14, 2021

Our major concern was their performance against Georgia Tech. Despite scoring 78 points, the defense was nowhere to be seen. For a team that has allowed only 68 points per game, to give up 88 isn’t a good sign.

Facing Virginia will offer some respite on defense, but finding open shots won’t be easy. Aaron Cook will need to perform at a high level and Braelen Bridges will need to grab the boards, because there will be a lot of missed shots.

The sportsbook has Georgia as underdogs, which is fair considering the level of opposition.

Virginia vs Georgia Pick

It’s not easy to bet on Virginia to cover a sizable spread given its offensive struggles, but we don’t have much faith in Georgia.

We gave the Bulldogs the benefit of the doubt against Georgia Tech based on their history, but they didn’t pass the eye test.

Virginia got back to its winning ways against Coppin State and that confidence boost will help.

Pick: Virginia Cavaliers -7½