Minnesota vs Virginia Tech Basketball Prediction & Picks – 2022 ACC/Big Ten Challenge

Virginia Tech has made the last five NCAA Tournaments, and with a 6-1 start this season, the Hokies are positioning themselves to make it six in a row. Tonight, they will look to continue a solid start to the season with a win over Minnesota in ACC/Big Ten Challenge action.

After losing to College of Charleston eight days ago, the Hokies bounced back with a five-point win over Charleston Southern last Friday.

Their schedule hasn’t been overly difficult thus far, but it is about to start getting tougher. After they play the Golden Gophers, their next three games are North Carolina (home), Dayton (home), and Oklahoma State (neutral site).

Minnesota, meanwhile, has suffered two early losses, one of which came last time out against UNLV. The outlook for their visit to Blacksburg doesn’t look particularly promising, but can the Golden Gophers push the Hokies all the way? Keep reading for our Minnesota vs Virginia Tech prediction and betting picks.

Minnesota Golden Gophers vs Virginia Tech Hokies Matchup Information and Betting Odds

Matchup Information

• Matchup: Minnesota Golden Gophers (4-3) vs Virginia Tech Hokies (6-1)
• Venue & Location: Cassell Coliseum (Blacksburg, Virginia)
• Date: Monday, November 28, 2022
• Game Time: 7:00 pm ET
• How to Watch Minnesota vs Virginia Tech: ESPN2

Minnesota vs Virginia Tech Odds

Game odds are via BetOnline as of Monday, November 28, 2022, at 5:15 pm ET. Odds from our other recommended legal sports betting sites may also be mentioned in this article.

Spread

• Minnesota +12.5 (-110)
• Virginia Tech -12.5 (-110)

Over/Under

• Over 127.5 (-114)
• Under 127.5 (-106)

Moneyline

• Minnesota +580
• Virginia Tech -880

Can Garcia Get Enough Help for the Gophers to Have a Chance?

Tonight’s matchup will be a stiff defensive test for Minnesota, who is allowing an average of 62.5 points per game. The 71 points that UNLV scored in their nine-point win last Wednesday were the most that the Golden Gophers have given up thus far this season.

Last season, Virginia Tech averaged only 70.7 PPG, but with all five starters averaging double figures right now, they are well on the way to a much more productive campaign.

Minnesota will be in serious trouble if Virginia Tech can hit the 70-point mark. That is a number that the Golden Gophers have hit only once so far, in a 72-54 win over St. Francis (NY).

Dawson Garcia, who’s on his third school in three years after stints at Marquette and North Carolina, is flourishing back in his home state.

But Jamison Battle, who led the team in scoring last season, will need to be on target tonight. Battle missed the first four games of the season and made only 4 of 19 shots from three and 9 of 32 shots overall from the field against California Baptist and UNLV.

Last season, Battle shot 45 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from three, so the sooner he can return to those percentages, the better it will be for Minnesota’s chances to snap a run of three straight losing seasons.

Minnesota vs Virginia Tech Prediction and Picks

Minnesota vs Virginia Tech Prediction: Virginia Tech to win

Minnesota vs Virginia Tech Picks: Minnesota/Virginia Tech over (Best Value: over 126.5 @ Bovada Sportsbook & BetMGM) & Minnesota team total over (Best Value: over 57.5 @ -102 at BetOnline)

At first glance, I didn’t really love this spread at all. While the Hokies are 6-1, they have one solid win–against fellow 6-1 team Penn State–five wins over cupcakes, and a loss to a mid-major.

And while Minnesota hasn’t been great offensively, Battle is only going to improve as he gets back into the swing of things.

But in their home arena, I think the Hokies will be too strong for the Golden Gophers, who will at least be able to get to 60 points. That said, I’m sticking with avoiding the spread, because that is a lot of points.

Other College Basketball Content at Betting News

• College Basketball Predictions & Picks