James Madison vs. Virginia: College Basketball Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions (Tuesday)
After a limited 12-game college basketball slate on Monday, the action picks up considerably today with nine teams in the AP top 25 in action. The lone ranked vs. ranked matchup of the day is between No. 16 Illinois and No. 2 Texas, which kicks off an exciting doubleheader at the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden. In the second game, the No. 17 Duke Blue Devils figure to have the crowd on their side as they take on the (6-1) Iowa Hawkeyes in a critical non-conference battle.
Here are our best bets for Tuesday’s college basketball action. And here’s a closer look at James Madison vs. Virginia.
(Odds courtesy of DraftKings)
Top College Basketball Betting Odds, Picks & Predictions: James Madison vs. Virginia
James Madison vs. Virginia Spread
Tony Bennett’s squad has waited a whole year for revenge, as the Cavaliers lost 52-49 in Harrisonburg last season in this in-state rivalry. That was one of many frustrating losses for Tony Bennett’s squad last year, as they finished 21-14 and had their season end disappointingly in the NIT. However, this year’s Virginia squad looks every bit the part of a team that can win the ACC and make a Final Four, especially after surviving its first three massive tests (vs. Baylor, vs. Illinois, at Michigan) thus far.
James Madison is overvalued entering this matchup, as the Dukes have scored 95+ points in six of its seven wins but were held to 71.5 points in losses to UNC and Valparaiso. In addition, the Dukes have yet to see a team like Virginia that will completely thwart its 16th-ranked tempo.
Virginia plays a physical but intelligent brand of defense. It does not commit many fouls, ranking in the top 15 in the country in opponents’ FTA/FGA.
With few easy baskets in transition for the Dukes and limited free points at the charity stripe, another upset this year is improbable.
Virginia does not fail to cover back-to-back games often, as it is 9-3-1 ATS in its last 13 games following an ATS loss.
Bet: Virginia -11 (-110 at DraftKings)
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Mike Spector is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @MikeSpector01.