American Eagles vs Virginia Cavaliers Matchup

Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our American vs Virginia NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Charlottesville.

American vs Virginia Prediction

Making on a bet on this NCAA game featuring the Eagles versus the Cavaliers? Tip off is at at 2:00 ET, and you can watch it all unfold on ACCN. The game will be played at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, VA. This non-conference matchup has an over/under of 120.5 points, and Virginia is favored by -13.5 vs. American.

American vs. Virginia Matchup At A Glance

Sport: NCAAB
Teams: American Eagles at Virginia Cavaliers
Where: Charlottesville at John Paul Jones Arena
Date: Sunday, December 22nd
Betting Odds VIR -13.5, AMERCN +715 | VIR -1265 O/U 120.5

Eagles Preview: Will the Eagles Win in Charlottesville?

American Eagles Recent Game/Games

American dropped to 4-5 on the season after an 84-57 road loss to Saint Joseph's on Wednesday, December 18th. Entering the game as +12.5 point underdogs, the Eagles failed to cover the spread.

American trailed 44-26 at halftime and scored 31 points in the 2nd half while allowing 40. The total points for the game ended at 141, just under the O/U line of 141.5.

Eagles Offense Breakdown

In their last game, the Eagles managed just 57 points, shooting 35.7% from the field and 29.2% from beyond the arc. Their effective field goal percentage was 42.9%, and they hit 66.7% of their free throws.

They grabbed 11 offensive rebounds and dished out 11 assists. Rasheer Fleming stood out with 26 points and 11 rebounds, shooting 73.3% overall and 50% from three-point range.

Eagles Team Defense

Despite the American Eagles' defensive efforts, they allowed 84 points while their opponents shot a scorching 60% from the field, connecting on 29 of 48 attempts. Inside the arc, the Eagles gave up 21 two-point baskets on 32 tries, a 65% shooting performance.

From beyond the arc, the Eagles' defense couldn't cool off the hot shooting, as their opponents hit 8 of 16 three-point attempts, good for 50%. The Eagles also sent their opponents to the free-throw line 21 times, where they converted 18 for 85%. American limited second-chance opportunities, allowing just 6 offensive rebounds.

Cavaliers Preview: Will Virginia Find a Way to Win at Home?

Virginia's season record dropped to 6-5 after a 64-62 home loss to Memphis on Wednesday. The Cavaliers entered the game as +3.5 point underdogs but managed to cover the spread. The total points for the game were 126, falling under the pre-game O/U line of 130.5.

Virginia led 30-21 at halftime but allowed 43 points in the 2nd half while scoring 32. This defensive lapse in the 2nd half was a key factor in the loss.

Cavaliers Offense Breakdown

Virginia's offense struggled in their last game, shooting just 39.6% from the field and 31.6% from three-point range. Their effective field goal percentage was 45.3%, and they managed 62 points overall.

PJ Haggerty led the way with 27 points and 5 assists, shooting 53.3% from the field. Elijah Saunders added 15 points, hitting 3 of 4 from beyond the arc.

Cavaliers Team Defense

Virginia's defense held their opponent to 64 points on 39% shooting from the field, including 44% from two-point range with 15 made baskets on 34 attempts. From beyond the arc, the Cavaliers limited their opponent to 6 threes on 19 attempts, a 31% shooting performance.

At the free-throw line, Virginia's opponent converted 14 of 18 attempts, shooting 77%. The Cavaliers also gave up 9 offensive rebounds in the game.

Eagles vs Cavaliers Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis

Through their last five road contests, the Eagles offense has averaged 60 points per game while allowing an average of 82. American posted an overall record of 0-5 while going 1-4 ATS.
Through their last five home games, Virginia has an ATS record of just 1-4. However, their overall record was 1-4 while averaging 56 points per game.
Going back to their previous ten games as the underdog, American has an ATS mark of 7-3 while going 6-4 straight up.
As the betting favorite, the Cavaliers have an ATS record of 2-1 in their last three games. In these matchups, their straight up record was 3-0.