The Virginia Cavaliers are playing the UNC Wilmington Seahawks in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament on Thursday. The game is scheduled for a 12:40 p.m. start time and it will be televised nationally on truTV. The college basketball odds for the game have the Cavaliers favored to pick up the win in this one.

College Basketball Odds
Virginia -7.5
Total: 135 points

UNC Wilmington as a 12-seed is a nightmare draw for the Cavaliers in this one. The Seahawks can score a ton of points (85.2) and rank 18th nationally in offensive efficiency numbers. The problem, especially for a mid-major, is their lack of a defense. Ironically enough, Wilmington had the CAA Defensive Player of the Year in Devontae Cacok. Opponents score 75 points per game against the Seahawks and while Virginia isn’t the best offensive team in the tournament, they might be the best defensively.

Defense always travels and we know Virginia is going to get after it on that end of the floor. They allowed the least amount of points per game this season at just 55.6, and they certainly have heard all the noise from the outside about how Wilmington is going to be able to upset them in the opening round.

Wilmington has a shot to cover and upset Virginia, that’s true, but with the major conflicting styles here and Virginia’s defense, the under is in play.

Free Pick: UNDER

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