It’s always fun to watch two dissimilar teams face each other, and we have one coming our way in the form of the NCAAB: Ohio vs. Virginia game. The contrast between the fast-paced Ohio team and the slow-burning Virginia team makes for an interesting bout in the first stage of the NCAA Tournament.

This our chance to witness last year’s NCAA Champions, the Virginia Cavaliers, work their way up the ladder to defend their title. This NitroBetting news coverage tackles all there is to know about the game, including talking points of both teams along with expert predictions for basketball fans and sports betting enthusiasts alike.

Don’t miss out on the latest 2021 March Madness odds. While you’re at it, check out our exclusive March Madness Bitcoin Bracket contest for a chance to grab a share of the 0.01 BTC (~$500).

Ohio vs. Virginia Game Information

• When: Saturday, March 20, 2021, 7:25 PM ET
• Where: Assembly Hall, Bloomington, Indiana
• TV: TRU
• Radio: CBS Sports Radio
• Live Stream: March Madness Live
• March Madness Betting Odds: Ohio +311/+7.0 / OU: 131.0 (-110)

READ MORE: Missouri vs. Oklahoma 2021 March Madness Odds and Preview — First Round

Why Bet on the Ohio Bobcats?

Ohio is known for its swift offense, ranking 93rd in points per possession. One of the defining characteristics of the Bobcats is their teamwork, which is evident in their passing and a low number of turnovers per game.

The team’s point man is Jason Preston, who is averaging16.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game. He is supported by senior Dwight Wilson and Ben Vander Plas. The only fragile part of Ohio is its rim defense, which the Bobcats are still trying to improve on since the beginning of the regular season.

The Bobcats’ strong conference tournament performance was supported by senior forward Dwight Wilson, who currently lists down 14.9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He serves as the team’s bedrock, so expect him to make waves coming into the NCAAB: Ohio vs. Virginia Game.

Why Bet on the Virginia Cavaliers?

Virginia sticks to its winning strategy, efficient offense, and ability to control the pace of the game. The team ranks 12th in adjusted offensive efficiency and ranks 357 out of 357 that played a game this season in possessions per 40 minutes, making them the slowest team in Division I college basketball going into the NCAAB: Ohio vs. Virginia game.

The team’s driving force lies behind Marquette transfer Sam Hauser and senior forward Jay Huff. The former averages 15.5 points per game and collects 6.7 rebounds per game while the forward is right behind Hauser with 13.3 points per game and a little over 7 rebounds per contest.

Virginia is deadly from range and can overwhelm opponents with strong work on the glass, as the Cavs are eighth in the nation with an 80.3 defensive rebounding percentage. The only drawback is the team’s half-court and the perimeter defense that hasn’t been as tright as it was in the past.

Ohio vs. Virginia Betting Trends

• Ohio won 9 of its last 10 games.
• Ohio is 9-1 against the spread in its last 10 games.
• The totals have gone under in 7 of Ohio’s last 10 postseason games.
• Virginia is currently on a 3-game winning streak.
• Virginia is 3-2 against the spread in its last 5 postseason games.
• The totals have gone over 6 times in Virginia’s last 10 games.

Ohio vs. Virginia Expert Betting Prediction

As the 13th-seed Ohio Bobcats prepare to face the fourth-seed Virginia Cavaliers, we anticipate Ohio to force an upset by going all out offensively. They will try to outscore the slower-paced Virginia team.

With that, expect Ohio to cover at the very least. Meanwhile, since the Cavaliers operate better at their own pace, they will try to slow the game down by playing a half-court game.

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*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.