The Northwestern Wildcats take on the Virginia Cavaliers in White Sulphur Springs, WV, as part of the Greenbrier Tip-Off. Tip-off is set for approximately 5 p.m. ET on CBS Sports Network.
Virginia is favored by -3.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -205. The total is set at 146.5 points.
Here’s my Northwestern vs. Virginia prediction and college basketball picks for November 21, 2025.
Northwestern vs Virginia Prediction
My Pick: Virginia -3.5 (Play to -4)
My Northwestern vs Virginia best bet is on the Cavs to cover the spread. For all of your college basketball bets, be sure to find the best lines by using our live NCAAB odds page.
Northwestern vs. Virginia Odds
| Northwestern Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -102 | 146.5 -110 / -110 | +168 |
| Virginia Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -120 | 146.5 -110 / -110 | -205 |
- Northwestern vs Virginia spread: Virginia -3.5
- Northwestern vs Virginia over/under: 146.5 points
- Northwestern vs Virginia moneyline: Northwestern +168, Virginia -205
Northwestern vs Virginia College Basketball Betting Preview
Northwestern Basketball
Northwestern has surprised many by starting the season 4-0, but it's not all sunshine and rainbows.
The Wildcats had a nail-biter against DePaul, preceded by three wins against teams ranked 270th or worse in the KenPom ratings.
While their offense has been efficient, they're a hard team to read this early in the season. In simple terms, their strength of schedule ranks 326th nationally.
For now, I'll rely on what's on paper. The Wildcats are led by two scorers, Nick Martinelli and Arrinten Page, and both are averaging over 16 points per game.
They’ve shown they can score, but the biggest concern for the Wildcats is their depth and experience. They only have two upperclassmen in the starting rotation, and in close games that might become an issue.
Virginia Basketball
Virginia is 4-0 this season under new head coach Ryan Odom.
Odom first gained notoriety when he led the UMBC Retrievers to the NCAA Tournament, upsetting then-No. 1 seed Virginia. Life really works in mysterious ways.
After bouncing between Utah State and VCU, Odom took this Virginia job and has his team poised for a comeback year.
Virginia hasn't played anybody notable yet this season, but it's won four games by an average of 29 points.
The Cavs have done it behind explosive scoring from Dallin Hall, Malik Thomas and Thijs De Ridder.
As has been customary with Virginia teams, their pace of play isn't very fast.
Northwestern vs. Virginia Betting Analysis
We've already missed the best of the number, as this spread opened at -1.5 and quickly shot to -3.5.
Virginia has a few advantages, namely talent and depth. This is a team built by Odom, and he has a few quality guards to form a lethal backcourt. This team doesn't turn the ball over, meaning Northwestern will be lucky to gain extra possessions in this game.
The only thing that could trouble us is that Virginia's defensive identity has yet to be tested. While I don't necessarily think Northwestern will exploit that, it’s worth mentioning.
I like this at -3.5, and I'll give a slight window to play this up to -4.
My Pick: Virginia -3.5 (Play to -4)
