Pitt Panthers vs. Virginia Cavaliers Prediction, Pick and Preview, December 3 (12/3): NCAAB

Pitt Panthers vs. Virginia Cavaliers Prediction, Pick and Preview, December 3 (12/3): NCAAB

Credit: photo by Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports

 

Odds

 

Time 8:00 p.m. EST
Pitt money line +350
Pitt spread +13.5 (-110)
UVA money line -500
UVA spread -13.5 (-110)
Over / under 117.5

 

 
Preview

The Virginia Cavaliers will host the Pittsburgh Panthers from John Paul Jones Arena this Friday.

Pitt has gotten off to a slow start this season, dropping five of seven non-conference game. They lost a nailbiter to Minnesota on Monday, giving them their third straight loss.

UVA jumped out to a slow start, but they've rallied and picked up quality non-conference wins over Georgia and Providence. The Cavs did suffer a tough one-point loss to Iowa at home Monday, but they did score a season-high 74 points.

 

Pitt (2-5)

John Hugley has been a highlight spot for Jeff Capel's team. The sophomore big leads the team in points (15.9) and rebounding (8.1), and he posted a monster double-double against the Golden Gophers.

Femi Odukale is also playing a bigger role in his second year at Pitt. The 6'5 guard is the only other Panther averaging double figures with 12.1 ppg, and a team-leading 3.7.

 

Texas Tech transfer Jamarius Burton brings a much needed veteran presence to this young Pitt team, while freshman Nate Santos joins Hugley up front.

Virginia (5-3)

UVA has been powered by transfer portal signees Jayden Gardner and Armaan Franklin. Gardner has transferred in from ECU and has asserted himself as a force down low, leading the team with 14.1 ppg and 8.3 rpg.

Franklin, an Indiana transfer, paced the team with 23 points on 8-16 shooting against Georgia and he's second on the team in scoring (11.8). He's joined by veteran point guard Kihei Clark, who's averaging 10.9 ppg and 4.1 apg.

Sophomores Reece Beekman and Kadin Shedrick join them in the starting lineup, with the former leading the team in assists (4.4)

Prediction

This has the makings of a typical UVA home basketball game. Slow-paced, low-scoring, and a lot of defense. Through five home contests, the Cavs have only given up more than 60 points once. Pitt has struggled offensively out of the gate and  we feel good about the under here.

PICK: Under -117.5

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