Virginia vs. Auburn pick, line: No Chuma Okeke means trouble for Tigers
No. 1 Virginia vs. No. 5 Auburn (6:09 PM, CBS):
Virginia and Auburn play two very different styles. Virginia is very comfortable when playing a slow grinding type of game while Auburn feels at home when playing a fast-paced, up-and-down game.
What is interesting is even though Virginia plays at the slowest pace in the country in terms of possessions per game and Auburn is No. 1 among Division I teams in steals per possession on defense, both have won games in this NCAA Tournament while playing a style outside of their wheelhouse.
Virginia will look to not allow the Tigers transition baskets. The Cavaliers are 12th in the country in percentage of possessions that end in a turnover, and they often find a quality look late in the shot clock.
Virginia ranks fourth in the country in offensive efficiency and eighth in 3-point shooting percentage as a unit. Auburn counters by ranking 15th in 3-point shooting percentage, but has a clear disadvantage on the glass.
The Tigers are 243rd in the country in rebound rate while Virginia is 16th. With Auburn’s leading rebounder Chuma Okeke out due to injury, it causes a massive uphill battle for the Tigers.
The pick: Virginia -5¹/₂.