NCAAB Prediction, Odds for Notre Dame vs Virginia

Notre Dame vs Virginia Odds

Saturday, Feb. 18

12 p.m. ET

ESPN2

Notre Dame Odds
Spread	Total	Moneyline
+12.5 -120	129.5 -110o / -110u	+640

Virginia Odds
Spread	Total	Moneyline
-12.5 +100	129.5 -110o / -110u	-1050

Odds via FanDuel. Get up-to-the-minute college basketball odds here.

Two teams on opposite ends of the ACC spectrum face off on Saturday afternoon in Charlottesville.

Virginia remains tied atop the league standings and is poised for a top four seed in the NCAA tournament.

Meanwhile, Notre Dame simply cannot get over the hump in conference play. The Irish have been competitive in most games, but they have yielded just two ACC victories to this point.

Can the Irish hang tough against league-leader Virginia? Or will the Cavaliers coast from start to finish against a lesser opponent?

Let's discuss where the betting value lies.

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

After a 15-5 mark in ACC play last season, things have gone in the opposite direction for Notre Dame in '22-23.

As a result, Mike Brey announced in late January that year 23 will be his final one in South Bend.

Brey has had a remarkable run for the Irish, but this year's group just can't seem to get it done in crunch time.

A big reason why is the Irish's lack of depth and a solid interior presence. Nate Laszewski is much more of a natural four, and he is at his best when he spends a good chunk of his time out on the perimeter.

The problem is that in most of the Irish's lineups, Laszewski is playing as the lone big. That has allowed opposing centers to feast on the inside, as well as the offensive backboards.

Notre Dame also does not force many turnovers, and Cormac Ryan is probably the only plus on-ball defender.

The Irish do have a plethora of shooters on the other end, which is the reason they have been able to stay competitive against some of the other top dogs in the league.

Dane Goodwin, Trey Wertz, Laszewski and Ryan are all quality 3-point shooters, and the Irish share the ball well and don't turn it over much.

In what will be a slower tempo game against Virginia on Saturday, if ND can make double-digit 3s, it very well could have a formula to hang around.

Virginia Cavaliers

Pound for pound, I'd take Tony Bennett over just about any coach in America. Bennett has another really good team this season, and although the ACC has taken a lot of heat nationally, I think Virginia is Final Four good with the right draw.

Balance on both ends of the floor is a key reason why.

Bennett went to the portal and added guys like Ben Vander Plas, who gives UVA someone who can score it on the inside and out.

Isaac McKneely has made some big shots for this team as a freshman.

Most notably, Armaan Franklin and Reece Beekman have made substantial strides from last year and can both score it in a number of different ways.

The defensive end has been Virginia's backbone for years, and this team is no different.

Jayden Gardner and Kadin Shedrick are two legitimate rim protectors inside, and this group is rarely ever in the wrong spot positionally.

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Notre Dame vs Virginia Betting Pick

This could be one of the quicker games we see all season. Both of these teams play at a methodical tempo and neither fouls much.

The under could be worth a look as a result, but the play I prefer is taking Notre Dame with the points.

Despite all of the Irish's defensive issues, this is still an efficient offense that is capable of getting hot for stretches.

Because of the slower expected tempo, there will be less possessions in this game, which also adds a little bit of a value to the Irish as a double-digit underdog.

Brey has not lost the locker room despite the extended losing streak, so look for Notre Dame's veteran group to once again compete for 40 minutes in this one.

Give me the Irish at +13 or better.

Pick: Notre Dame +13 or Better

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