Miami at Virginia Tech Preview and Prediction

With only three games remaining with the Miami Hurricanes basketball schedule, they trail the first place Virginia Cavaliers by only one-half game in the Atlantic Coast Conference standings.

Next up for head coach Jim Larranaga and the Canes will be a road game against a Virginia Tech Hokies team that cannot be taken lightly. That was evidenced on Saturday by their 79-72 upset win over a Pittsburgh Panthers team they knocked out of first place in the ACC.

The first time these two squads met it was at the Watsco Center on Jan. 31, with the Hurricanes winning 92-83 over the Hokies. That game saw Miami shoot 56.7% percent from the field during an offensive-minded contest.

Game Time: 7 p.m.

TV: ESPNU

SI Sportsbook Betting Odds: Virginia Tech -2.5 over Miami

Over/Under: 154

Money Line: Miami (+125), Virginia Tech (-161)

GAMEDAY.

Big road battle tonight in Blacksburg.
Miami at Virginia Tech.
7 PM on ESPNU. pic.twitter.com/aGE63d72do
— Canes Men’s Basketball (@CanesHoops) February 21, 2023

Starting Lineups

Miami Hurricanes

G Nijel Pack, 6-0, 185, 13.5 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 2.6 apg

G Isaiah Wong, 6-4, 185, 16.4 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 3.5 apg

G Wooga Poplar, 6-5, 192, 7.8 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 1.4 apg

G Jordan Miller, 6-7, 195, 15 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 2.6 apg

F Norchad Omier, 6-7, 250, 13.9 ppg, 9.8 rpg, 1.1 apg

Virginia Tech Hokies

G MJ Collins, Jr., 6-4, 190, 4.1 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 1.1 apg

G Sean Pedulla, 6-1, 190, 15.3 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 4 apg

G Hunter Cattoor, 6-3, 200, 10.7 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 2.3 apg

F Justyn Mutts, 6-7, 220, 13.3 ppg, 7.3 rpg, and 4.8 apg

F Grant Basile, 6-9, 235, 16.7 ppg, 5.6. rpg, 1.9 apg

Hokies Player to Watch

Virginia Tech has a well balanced team, and forward Justyn Mutts should be considered its best all-around player (more on him in the prediction section). That stated, when things go well the offense often runs through the hot shooting of fifth-year senior Grant Basile.

He scored 22 points during the win over Pittsburgh, including going 4 of 8 from downtown.

The 6-foot-9 and 235-pound forward can score inside or outside. He’s actually one of the rare big guys in college hoops that truly has the ability to beat an opposing team either way on offense, and he’s capable on defense as well.

He’s averaged 16.7 points, 5.6 rebounds, 1.9 assists, and 1.4 blocks per game this year. Looking at the offensive end of the basketball court, Basile presents a unique challenge for the Hurricanes.

He’s knocked down 54 of 139 3-point shots from 27 games this season, for an average of two made per game. He’s also been good at being physical, at times, during this season and his college career.

Basile’s free throw numbers have actually gone down since his junior and senior seasons. During those two years, he made 67 of 101 (2020-2021), and 131 of 167 (2021-2022) from the charity stripe. As a fifth-year senior this season, he’s only at 51 of 73; Basile’s 3-point shot attempts have gone up instead.

He’s already attempted 139 shots from behind the arc this season, and Basile shot 138 all of last year despite that total coming from nine more contests (36 compared to 27).

If Miami – and especially its length – can challenge Basile at the 3-point line while not giving him a clear path to the basket, the Canes should hold an edge in this contest.

Keep an eye on how Miami combats Basile. With versatile defenders on the wing, plus a unique big man along the interior with Norchad Omier, Miami could switch screens and pick and roll situations and do quite well with the results.

Miami’s Hot Shooting

The Canes were on fire during their 96-87 win over Wake Forest. During that contest, Miami shot a blistering 58.7% from the field, including going 8 of 16 from behind the 3-point arc, for 50% there as well.

For the season, Miami’s starting five has been really impressive shooting the basketball, with the entire lineup having shot 44.1% or better.

Off the bench, it was also important to note that backup guard Harold Beverly has knocked down 48.6% of his shots.

Virginia Tech’s defense has not been all that great. The Hokies have allowed 69.3 points per contest, just No. 146 in the nation. Look for Miami to score the basketball tonight, especially off the bounce where its sheer athleticism will be an advantage.

What to Expect

Miami will be facing a tough crowd and one that can get rockin’ if Basile, Mutts, and their teammates shoot well early. VT will certainly look to get Mutts and Basile involved early. The key for Miami will be to make each of them hit shots over the long arms of Miller, Poplar, et al. On the flip side, it's unlikely the Hokies can do the same to the Hurricanes.

Keep in mind, Miami simply out shot Virginia Tech the last time they played. Many of those shots were knocked down after good passes and defense of the Hokies not being able to keep up. The Hokies know they can score with the Canes, however, so Miami must shoot well again themselves. That also means Miami's versatile wings must play well on defense, starting with Jordan Miller.

The key tonight will be Miller’s play on the defensive end of the court. Same with Wooga Poplar. Remember the point above regarding Miami’s length? Well, that’s where this game gets interesting.

Look for Miami to challenge more Virginia Tech shots than it did the first time these two teams met. That factor will be pivotal for the eventual winner.

Also, Miami’s offense has just been incredible during the six-game winning streak. When the Hurricanes have truly needed a bucket, they have found a way.

It’s usually been due to excellent passing. The Hokies have not consistently shown to be a defensive team that can defend and recover when the ball moves well, so look for the Hurricanes to go over the 80-point plateau once again.

Miami's athleticism, length, passing and overall offensive prowess give them a well earned road win.

Miami 83 Virginia Tech 77