Pittsburgh at Virginia

The Virginia Cavaliers had to escape at home in their last game out vs. Wake Forest, coming from behind to steal a 1-point win. The hallmark of this team is defense. That becomes even more vital as the Cavs have lost the services of Justin Anderson, who was averaging 13.4 points per game and shooting lights-out from deep at 48.4%. The emphasis has always been on the defensive end for this team, and they allow just 35.8% shooting on the season as well as allowing just 30.5% on the season from deep. Jamie Dixon knows a little bit about defense, and big games. His teams are known for toughness, and getting after it on defense, and the Panthers are going to have to come in here with a defensive mindset to start the game and match the intensity of Virginia, or they could be blown out very early in this contest. The Cavs have been undeniably defensive in the first 20 minutes at home where they have played to a first half average total points scored of just 46.2 points per game over their last five - all in conference play. The Panthers have been long known for a strong home court, but the road resume has been a nightmare where they are 1-9-1 ATS in their last 11. The Cavaliers come into this one at 27-9-2 ATS in their last 38 against a team with a winning record, including 19-6-2 ATS vs a team over .600. Play on Virginia and take the first half UNDER in this one.