March Madness First Four, Colorado State vs Virginia, Odds & Best Bets: Rams Roll in Ohio

The Big Dance kicks off tonight as the First Four gets started in Dayton, Ohio as the Colorado State Rams battle the Virginia Cavaliers for a chance at the 10 seed in the Midwest Region.

The Rams made it to the Mountain West Semifinals as the 7 seed, losing to eventual champion New Mexico. The Cavaliers were able to knock off Boston College, but went down in the ACC Semifinals to NC State, who ended up winning the whole thing.

Personally, I think Virginia should be NIT bound anyways, as I think they got in over other teams more deserving. But regardless, let’s take a look at this game and find our best bets!

Colorado State vs Virginia Game Information

Matchup Information – Colorado State vs Virginia

• Venue & Location: UD Arena (Dayton, OH)
• Date: Tuesday, March 19th, 2024
• Tip Off: 9:10pm Eastern
• Broadcast: truTV

Betting Odds – Colorado State vs Virginia

Odds are courtesy of Bovada.

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Spread

• Colorado State -2.5 (-115)
• Virginia +2.5 (-105)

Moneyline

• Colorado State -145
• Virginia +125

Total

• Over 121 (-110)
• Under 121 (-110)

Can the Cavaliers Keep Up With Colorado State?

The Virginia Cavaliers are home team merchants, and do not have the offensive fire power to keep up with the Rams, plain and simple.

Colorado State ranks Top 50 in both offensive and defensive efficiency, and led by PG Isiah Stevens, they rank 2nd in the country in assists. The Rams don’t offensive rebound very well, but they’re 32nd in eFG% and 48th in TO%, taking fantastic care of the ball.

Now they got beat up in the Mountain West conference, but won some games to build some momentum in the tournament, and I think they can keep it going tonight in the First Four.

Virginia has a Top 5 defense, but that jumps to 46th away from home. Their offense jumps from 190th to 225th, and in away/neutral games they’re eFG% ranks 308th in the country. Virginia is the slowest team in the country, and I think that comes back to bite them tonight.

The Cavaliers are a team that doesn’t get to the FT line (304th), can’t offensive rebounds (282nd), and ultimately can’t shoot from anywhere, including the free throw line that they struggle to get to.

Colorado State isn’t the fastest team ever, but they will speed this game up enough to upset the Cavs and give their offense enough possessions to get the win and cover this number.

Now, me being the College Hoops Sicko, I snagged CSU’s ML at (-120) on Sunday when the Bracket dropped, however (-145) is reasonable juice, plus I would endorse the -2.5 spread.

I really think the Rams dominate and show no mercy on a team that didn’t even deserve to be invited to the Big Dance.

The Pick: Colorado State ML (-145) Bovada

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