The Texas Longhorns host the Virginia Cavaliers tonight at 9:15 p.m. ET in an ACC vs. SEC showdown. This is the first matchup between these two programs since December 2018, and it’s tied 1-1. Texas is 6-2 this season and is coming off its best victory of the season against NC State. Virginia is 6-1, with its lone defeat against Butler.
Texas is the favorite in this matchup at -2.5 with Virginia being a +136 underdog on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here is my best bet for tonight’s Virginia vs. Texas matchup.
Virginia vs. Texas (9:15 p.m. ET)
Although Virginia is No. 39 via KenPom, it has the 25th-best offensive rating. Virginia is averaging 87.6 points per game, with four players in double figures each night. Freshman Thijs De Ridder leads the team in scoring with 18 points while shooting 44.4 percent on three-pointers. The Cavaliers have a deep backcourt with veterans Malik Thomas, Sam Lewis, Jacari White, and freshman Chance Mallory.
Texas is led by Dailyn Swain (16.5) and Matas Vokietaitis (15.5) this season on offense. The Longhorns have displayed an elite offense this year, but have been inconsistent at times. They also have a ton of talented guards with Swain, Jordan Popen, and Mark Tramon. Virginia vs. Texas is an elite matchup of guards, but Virginia has the game’s best overall player in De Ridder.
Texas recently beat NC State but lost to the previous two teams it has faced from a major conference. Virginia is 2-1 against the three high-level opponents it has faced. The Cavaliers were held to 73 points by Butler, but they shouldn’t have as many issues against Texas, which has the 65th-best defensive rating. Getting Virginia to win this game at +136 on DraftKings Sportsbook is a good value play given their upside.
