Virginia vs. Michigan Prediction and Odds for Tuesday, November 29 (Dickinson Could Give UVA Problems Inside)
By Josh Yourish
It’s the Big 10/ACC Challenge with the Virginia Cavaliers up in Ann Arbor to face Hunter Dickinson and the Michigan Wolverines.
No. 3 Virginia is unbeaten at 5-0 with wins over No. 16 Illinois and No. 6 Baylor and but are only 3.5-point favorites over 5-1 Michigan. This will be the biggest test for Juwan Howard’s team so far and they are only coming off a 10-point win over Jackson State.
Virginia vs. Michigan Odds, Spread and Total
Virginia vs. Michigan Prediction and Pick
Virginia is known for their defensive prowess and that is the case again this year. They are 21st in points allowed, only giving up 57.6 points a game. Which is not only because of their defense but because of how much they slow down the game.
The Cavaliers are 351st in college basketball in possessions per game. Yet, they are 83rd in points per game, which shows how potent this offense is. UVA is fifth in three point percentage, hitting 44.8% from deep and 29th in field goal percentage, 49.8%.
They will be able to score, the only real concern for the Cavaliers is their ability to stop Hunter Dicksinson. He is a 7-foot-1 expert in the post and Virginia doesn’t really have a big body to throw at him. Dickinson is averaging 18.5 points and 9.5 rebounds, and likely 6-foot-8 Ben Vander Plas and 6-foot-11 Kadin Shedrick will be tasked with slowing him down. That will be a challenge for players giving up a lot of height and weight to the big man.
UVA is going to keep scoring at a high level, they have done it against Illinois and Baylor, who are superior teams to Michigan, but I think the Cavaliers could have a tough time slowing down Dickinson and the Wolverines, so I’ll take the over.
Pick: Over 128.5 (-110)
Follow all Josh Yourish’s bets HERE
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change