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Memphis vs Virginia Tech Odds and Picks (Nov. 24)

Chris Amberley

by Chris Amberley in College Basketball

Updated Nov 24, 2021 · 3:01 AM PST

Jalen Duren throws down a dunk
Memphis' Jalen Duren (2) slam-dunks in the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Western Kentucky, Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Karen Pulfer Focht)
  • #9 Memphis faces Virginia Tech in the NIT Season Tip-Off on Wednesday (November 24th, 9:30 pm ET) at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY
  • The Hokies rank first in the nation in opponent points allowed per game (48.2)
  • Read below for odds, analysis and a betting prediction

Two of college basketball’s hottest teams to start the season square off in Brooklyn, New York on Wednesday (Nov. 24th) as part of the NIT Season Tip-Off. #9 Memphis (4-0) puts its perfect record on the line against a Virginia Tech squad that’s yet to taste defeat in five games.

The action gets underway at 9:30 pm ET at the Barclays Center, with the Tigers established as the short chalk.

#9 Memphis vs Virginia Tech Odds

Team Moneyline Spread Total
Memphis Tigers OFF -1.5 (-115) O 140.5 (-110)
Virginia Tech Hokies OFF +1.5 (-105) U 140.5 (-110)

Odds as of Nov. 23rd at DraftKings.

Memphis opened up as a 1.5-point favorite, in a game that features a total of 140.5. This will be the first serious test for both programs, as neither have played a close, competitive game all season.

Tigers Mauling Competition

Memphis has opened up the 2021-22 campaign with four straight victories of 12 or more points. Last time out, they took down Western Kentucky 74-62, thanks to a Herculean effort from Jalen Duren.

The 6-11 center poured in 22 points, while grabbing 19 rebounds, and adding five blocks. He’s the only player in the nation to average 15 points, 10 boards, and 4.5 blocks, and he’s doing so as an 18-year-old freshman.

DeAndre Williams chipped in with 13, while Earl Timberlake added 10 for the Tigers, but it was Duren who carried the team to victory. He shot 67% from the field, while the rest of the Memphis starters combined to shoot just 39%.

The Tigers were a dreadful 2-of-16 from beyond the arc and committed 26 turnovers, but made up for it with exceptional defense. Memphis held the Hilltoppers to 39.3% from the field, while dominating the rebounding battle, and forcing 25 turnovers.

For the season, the Tigers rank 72nd in points allowed per game, but are limiting opponents to a 37.5% effective shooting percentage, the seventh best mark in the country.

Offensively, Memphis ranks 21st in points per game, 19th in total rebounding, and 12th in effective field goal percentage.

Hokies Haven’t Broken a Sweat

Virginia Tech meanwhile, has blown out each of its five opponents. The Hokies have won all five games so far by 20 or more points, and have the nation’s eighth best average score margin (+28).

Last time out, they routed Merrimack 72-43, building a 16 point halftime lead and cruising to victory. Storm Murphy led the way with 14, while Nahiem Alleyne added 12, as VA Tech picked up its 1,500th win.

The Hokies shot 55% from the field, and a sizzling 47.8% from beyond the arc. They rank 84th in the country in points per game, but 20th in effective field goal percentage, and 13th in three-point efficiency.

Defensively, they held the Warriors to 38% from the field, while forcing 15 turnovers. Virginia Tech leads the nation in opponent points allowed per contest, while only seven teams have yielded a lower effective field goal percentage. They’ve held all five opponents below 58 points, keeping three of those programs under 48 points.

Memphis vs Virginia Tech Pick

Not surprisingly given their play at the defensive end, Virginia Tech is also 5-0 against the spread. They’re covering by an average of 8.4 points, despite being a double-digit favorite each time out. This will be their first contest as an underdog, while Memphis will be their first opponent ranked in the top-130.

The Tigers on the other hand, are 2-2 against the spread, despite facing just one school ranked in the 129, and none ranked higher than 57th.

These two teams rank 17th and 26th in overall efficiency per KenPom. Considering how evenly matched they are, I’d be willing to take the points with whoever was catching them. In this case it’s Virginia Tech, so give me the Hokies.

Pick: Virginia Tech Hokies +1.5 (-105)

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