'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/4AAQSkZJRgABAQAAAQABAAD/2wCEAAMDAwMDAwQEBAQFBQUFBQcHBgYHBwsICQgJCAsRCwwLCwwLEQ8SDw4PEg8bFRMTFRsfGhkaHyYiIiYwLTA+PlQBAwMDAwMDBAQEBAUFBQUFBwcGBgcHCwgJCAkICxELDAsLDAsRDxIPDg8SDxsVExMVGx8aGRofJiIiJjAtMD4+VP/AABEIAAYACgMBIgACEQEDEQH/xABgAAEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABgcQAAIBBAIDAQAAAAAAAAAAAAIEAQADBRESIQcIExQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAURAAICAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAECAxEABBIhUf/aAAwDAQACEQMRAD8AnHPAQMYBGy4eLF1VsiNqwtA/pE9bt3g1qRgYrMGvVxGWb3DJ6D6FxjuOt0pRM+xMjHi1d+DFI40ZRYvP/9k='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The No. 2 seed Virginia Cavaliers will take on the No. 5 seed Houston Cougars in a non-conference matchup on Saturday night. The Cavaliers are unbeaten this season with an 8-0 record, and they will be looking to clinch the ACC title this time.
The Cougars are 10-1 this season and will hope to get into the NCAA tournament from the AAC. They defeated the North Carolina A&T Aggies in their most recent game but failed to cover the spread as 32-point favorites. The Cavaliers defeated the James Madison Dukes in their last game but failed to cover the spread as 12.5-point favorites.
Houston vs Vriginia Betting Odds
Houston vs Virginia Match Details
Fixture: Houston Cougars at Virginia Cavaliers
Date and Time: Saturday, December 17 at 2:00 PM ET
Venue: John Paul Jones Arena, VA
Houston vs Virginia Key Stats
The Cougars defeated the Aggies in their final game to avenge their season-opening defeat. They will strive to maintain their momentum by defeating the Cavaliers, which would be their second straight victory and their 11th triumph in their previous 12 contests.
The Cougars score an average of 73.9 points per game. They made 50% of their field goals and 27.8% of their three-point attempts in their most recent game, scoring 74 points overall. With 49.4 points allowed per game, they have dominated on defense. In their previous game, they allowed 46 points, so if they want to win this one, they will need to put out a similar effort.
After winning their first eight games, the Cavaliers are off to a terrific start. With a victory against the Cougars, which would be their eighth straight victory, they will attempt to maintain their momentum.
The Cavaliers score an average of 72.1 points per game. In their most recent game, they made 42.2% of their FGs and shot 23.8% from beyond the arc, scoring 55 points overall. They have done well on defense, allowing 57.9 points per game. In their previous game, they gave up 50 points, so if they want to win, they will need to put out a comparable effort.
Houston vs Virginia Betting Prediction
When playing against a Cavaliers club that averages seven thefts per game, the Cougars' carelessness with the ball will be an issue.
The Cougars will struggle to keep up with the Cavaliers, who limit opponents to under 55 points per game at home; therefore, bet on the home team to cover the spread against the spread of play.
Pick: Virginia Cavaliers +2.5 (-110)
