At the beginning the Virginia Tech vs. Saint Louis matchup is a story of two head coaches. Buzz Williams of Virginia Tech is one of the hottest names in the game. Following a successful run at Marquette, Williams has made history at Blacksburg. VA Tech is in the Big Dance for the third consecutive season. And a NCAA basketball championship odds favorite against Saint Louis. As a result, Williams is rumored to be set on a massive pay day at Texas A&M at season’s end. Meanwhile Travis Ford has found career redemption as head coach of Saint Louis.
Saint Louis Billikens vs. Virginia Tech Hokies
Date and Time: Friday, March 22, 2019, 9:57 p.m. ET
Location: SAP Center, San Jose, California
NCAA Betting Online Odds at SBG: Click Here!
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saint Louis | +10 (-110) | 126 (-110) |  |
| Virginia Tech | -10 (-110) | 126 (-110) | |
| |||
Saint Louis vs. Virginia Tech TV Coverage: TruTV
Saint Louis Billikens
Travis Ford arrived at Saint Louis after getting fired by the Oklahoma State Cowboys. Overall Ford had success at Stillwater with a record of 155-111. Further he led the Pokes to the Big Dance in five out of his eight seasons. But a 12-20 disaster in 2016 got him a pink slip. Now in his third season at Saint Louis, Ford has jumpstarted the Billikens program. Saint Louis is in the big dance for the first time since 2014.
Virginia Tech Hokies
In the same way Buzz Williams is the first coach to lead Virginia Tech to three consecutive Big Dance appearances. As a native of Texas, it is certainly understandable why Williams is expected to leave Tech for College Station and the big money. Extending that expectation is a record of excellence that includes two Sweet 16 appearances as head coach of Marquette.
Stats to Consider
Now Virginia tech is in good form for NCAA basketball championship odds. The Hokies have covered four of their last six games. Tech has a record of 24-8 straight up, 16-14-1 vs. the odds, and 16-14-1 over the total. Owing to that are national rankings of 131st for scoring offense and 11th for points allowed.
Team vs. Team
Saint Louis has an online wagering record of 23-12 straight up, 16-18-1 against the spread and 14-20-1 under the total. Late on the Billikens are in top form with six payouts in their last eight games. Saint Louis ranks 305th for scoring offense but an impressive 22nd for points allowed. Fashion the Billikens defeating St. Bonaventure 55-53 in the Atlantic 10 conference tournament to get their ticket punched.
Important Names on Court
Javon Bess leads Saint Louis with 15.3 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. Indeed, Bess was instrumental in the A-10 semifinal with 24 points and seven rebounds in a win over Davidson. By contrast Nickeil Alexander Walker leads the Hokies with 16.6 points per game.
Matchup to Watch
At the onset this looks like a potential overlay with NCAA basketball championship odds. Saint Louis is in top form and has the defense to stay within the double digits. Further, the coaching rumors about Williams may distract the Hokies.
Saint Louis vs. Virginia Tech NCAA games Betting Odds Picks
To conclude Saint Louis looks like a live dog in this one.
Saint Louis vs. Virginia Tech NCAA Betting Online Pick: Saint Louis Billikens
Saint Louis vs. Virginia Tech NCAA Betting Online Score Prediction: Saint Louis 74, Virginia Tech 73
Watch highlights of the Billikens win over St. Bonaventure!