The Miami basketball team will attempt to sweep the season series when they host Virginia Tech on Saturday at noon. Miami won 75-71 at Virginia Tech three weeks ago. Virginia Tech had a three-game winning streak end 77-67 to Duke at home on Monday night. Miami lost 74-68 at North Carolina State on Tuesday.
The Miami loss ended a two-game winning streak. After a 4-5 January, Miami has a difficult schedule in February with its NCAA Tournament hopes thin. Miami plays Virginia, North Carolina and Clemson after Virginia Tech. A few upsets are going to be critical for Miami to earn its third straight NCAA Tournament bid.
Virginia Tech is also competing for an NCAA Tournament bid. The Hokies enter the game on Saturday 45th in the NCAA Net Ratings. Miami enters Saturday 67th in the Net Ratings. Virginia Tech is a quadrant two game for Miami. The Hurricanes are 5-2 versus quad two teams this season.
Miami needs to defend Virginia Tech guard Sean Padulla better. Padulla scored 32 points on 13-23 from the floor, 5-13 from three and 2-2 from the free throw line last month versus Miami. Hunter Cattoor, who missed the game versus Miami last month, has returned and scored in double figures, over the last six games.
Virginia Tech at Miami Basketball: Game Information: Date: Sat., Feb. 3, 2024, Time: 12 p.m. ET, Location: Coral Gables, Fla., Arena: Watsco Center, Live Stats: miami.statbroadcast.com. Television: ESPN, Radio: 560 WQAM and Sirius XM 119 or 193, Series: 28-20, Miami, at Miami: 13-7, at Virginia Tech: 11-10, Neutral: 4-3, Last Meeting: 75-71, Miami (1/13/24)
Virginia Tech (13-8, 5-5 ACC), Head Coach: Mike Young (Emory and Henry '86), Record at VT: 86-59. Career Record: 385-303, Record vs. UM: 3-9, Miami (14-7, 5-5 ACC), Head Coach:-Jim Larranaga (Providence '71) , Record at UM: 269-156, Career Record: 739-490, Record vs. VT: 18-10 Courtesy MiamiHurricanes.Com
Virginia Tech Miami: FanDuel Odds: Spread: Miami minus 1.5 Total: 152.5, Moneyline: Virginia Tech +110, Miami -132 - Courtesy FanDuel.
Miami's Matthew Cleveland has practiced the last two days & is expected back for tomorrow's home game vs. Va. Tech. Cleveland has missed back-to-back games w/ a hip injury.
— Brian Edwards Sports (@vegasbedwards) February 3, 2024
Miami needs to play a complete game on Saturday. Last week versus Pittsburgh, Miami relinquished all but two points of a 19-point second-half lead. Norchad Omier blocked a Pittsburgh shot on the last possession to preserve the Miami win. Miami should have their entire team healthy on Saturday.
After missing the last two games, Matthew Cleveland will reportedly return on Saturday. Bensley Joseph will likely return to the bench. Freshman Paul Djobet was inserted into the rotation with Cleveland out and has played well. Miami should have at least a seven-man rotation with Cleveland back.
Prediction
Miami has been inconsistent all season. It's too difficult to trust the points spread. As usual with Miami, the best bet is the total. At home, Miami should be able to score. The best bet is the over. Miami has had their last four games go under. Three of the last four Virginia Tech games have gone over.
Miami pushed versus Pittsburgh and failed to cover the point spread at North Carolina State. Virginia Tech covered the spread in three straight games before losing by 10 at home as a 6.5-point underdog to Duke on Monday. Miami covered as a six-point underdog in a four-point win in Blacksburg last month.
Miami has a quick turnaround at Virginia on Monday at 7 PM. A national audience will see Miami on ESPN or ESPN2 over the next four games, beginning on Saturday versus Virginia Tech. Miami has an opportunity to earn critical wins in the next month to earn an NCAA Tournament berth.