Penn State and Virginia get things started

This is the opening matchup of the Big Ten-ACC Challenge and both teams look to build on good shooting victories. Off last season’s NIT championship, Penn State coach Ed DeChellis is searching for buckets this season. He knows what to expect out of guard Talor Battle, but not quite sure what to expect from everyone else. Chris Babb and Jeff Brooks have responded well early, and Andrew Jones continues to make good choices in terms of shot selection.

The Nittany Lions (4-2, 2-3 ATS) ticked the twine with great frequency, shooting 63.8 percent in 87-75 win over Sacred Heart in last contest, though failed to cover as 16.5-point home favorites. Penn State is 6-0 ATS in true road non-conference games.

First year coach Tony Bennett has half his team in order at Virginia (4-2, 2-2 ATS), the other aspect will take time and effort. The Cavaliers have all five starters from last season and eight of nine top scorers that accounted for 91 percent of offense. Great, super, wonderful, except coach Bennett is defensive-minded coach and really wants the effort on that end of the floor.

Virginia defeated Cleveland State 76-65 the last time out as 3.5-point favorites, shooting 52.8 percent. Bennett had to be pleased with the effort, but not the defense, which allowed a season-high 55.3 percent. Thus far the Cavaliers have seen three opponents shoot 47.5 or better and three other teams convert less than 39 percent from the field. Virginia is 11-24 ATS after allowing opposing team 55 percent or higher shooting percentage.

DiamondSportsbook.com has the Cavaliers as 5.5-point favorites and they are only 13-16 ATS on their home floor the last 2+ years and 4-10 ATS in non-conference action of late. Penn State is not a comforting choice either with 7-17-1 spread record as an underdog of 6.5-points or less.
The total appears to be a tough call with the Nittany Lions 8-1 OVER against the ACC and Virginia 7-0 UNDER after covering the spread.

The ACC has never lost this event in its 10 years and ESPN2 will have the coverage starting at 7:00 Eastern. Virginia is 5-4 SU with Penn State 3-5 SU in the years they played.

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