Pittsburgh Panthers vs Virginia Cavaliers Point Spread Picks

Pittsburgh allows 71.1 per game in ACC play. In the last two games, they knocked off Wake Forest (80-76) in OT and lost at Clemson (63-52) as a double-digit underdog. Virginia has played four of the last five on the road. The Cavaliers are 14th in the 18-team ACC in turnover margin (0.10) and 11th from the charity stripe (.708). They've failed to cover the last three games as favorites of -6.5, -9.5, and -13.5, including a home loss to North Carolina (85-80). They edged by Boston College (73-66) and beat Notre Dame in double overtime (100-97), two teams that are a combined 4-13 in ACC play. Play Pittsburgh. 

The Virginia basketball program has been elite for years, but they have fallen on hard times. The Cavs are just 10-12 on the season and 3-8 in ACC Conference play. That has them in uncharted territory in 15th place in the ACC. The Cavs style is like that of the old Ivy League teams. They chew up the clock on offense and play good defense. Their games on the season average just 110 total shots, and they shoot 37% from 3. The Cavs scoring margin is just -2, and trying to get a margin on this team is very difficult because there are a minimal number of shots in their games to cover a big line. Pittsburgh is 14-7 on the season and 5-5 in conference play, good for 8th place. Virginia doesn't turn the ball over often; they average just 10 a game. It's going to be hard in a game with limited shots for the Panthers to stretch it out. I like Virginia.

A pair of 10-win teams with strong offenses, Virginia has six players scoring 7-to-12 points per game and shoots 36.7% from long range. They've gone OVER the first-half total in three of their last four, including a 74-56 win at Georgia Tech scoring 36 first-half points. Pittsburgh has won nine of 10 after knocking off No. 25 North Carolina, 76-74. 6-7 junior Blake Hinson (17.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg) leads a talented offense that is averaging 75.8 points. Pitt has gone OVER the First Half Total in six of the last eight and is 29-14 OVER the first-half total at home after two or more straight victories. Take Virginia/Pittsburgh First Half OVER the total.

Virginia's defense has been slipping losing two of three including allowing 74 points to North Carolina as the Tar Heels had 31 first-half points. Virginia has gone seven straight games OVER the First Half Total after a home loss. Pittsburgh has a balanced offense with three players scoring in double digits. They come off a win over Louisville as a home dog scoring 28 first-half points. These teams played a 73-66 game when they last met, including 30-27 at the half. Play Virginia/Pittsburgh First Half OVER the total.