The Colorado State Rams (24-10, 10-8 MWC) are set to battle the Virginia Cavaliers (23-10, 13-7 ACC) this Tuesday night in a First Four game, with the prize being the No. 10 seed spot in the Midwest Region of the March Madness bracket. The victor will go up against the No. 7 seed Texas in the tournament’s first round come Thursday evening.
Both squads wrapped up their regular seasons with a tally of 22 wins apiece but were knocked out during the semifinals of their respective conference tournaments by teams that went on to clinch the championship.
The selection committee ultimately deemed their performances throughout the season sufficient to land them at-large bids, placing them among the last four teams to make the cut for the tournament.
For all the details on the showdown between Colorado State and Virginia in the First Four of March Madness, including expert predictions, betting odds, viewing information, and best sportsbook promos available, read on.
No. 10 Colorado State-No. 10 Virginia Betting Odds
- Date: Tuesday, March 19, 2024
- Time: 9:10 p.m. ET
- Watch: TruTV
- Location: University of Dayton Arena; Dayton, OH
- Spread: Colorado State -2.0 (-115), Virginia +2.0 (-105)
- Moneyline: Colorado State (-135), Virginia (+115)
- Total: Over/Under 120.5 (-110, -110)
Colorado State-Virginia Betting Preview
CSU’s Isaiah Stevens has been unstoppable, hitting double figures in scoring for the last 10 games straight. He’s pushing this team into a potential March Madness run. In a recent Mountain West Championship opener, he pulled off a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, helping secure a 72-62 victory over San Jose State.
He continued his strong performance with 15 points, seven assists, and two rebounds in an 85-78 triumph over the 23rd-ranked Nevada in the quarterfinals. Although they faced a setback with a 74-61 loss to New Mexico in the semifinals, Stevens contributed 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists.
Over 34 games this season, all of which he started, he’s averaging 16.5 points, seven assists, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.2 steals, playing nearly 34.6 minutes per game.
Joel Scott has also been a consistent force, scoring in double figures in 28 games this season, highlighted by a 20-point, eight-rebound showing against New Mexico in the Mountain West Championship semifinal.
This season, he’s hit the 20-point mark three times and boasts a double-double with 18 points and 13 rebounds in a close game against New Mexico on February 21. Starting in all 34 games, Scott averages 12.9 points, six rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 28 minutes of play.
For the Cavs, Reece Beekman is leading Virginia with impressive performances, including back-to-back double-doubles during the ACC Tournament. In a tight quarterfinal match against Boston College, he notched 11 points, 11 assists, and seven rebounds in an overtime victory.
Despite a loss to North Carolina State in the semifinals, Beekman scored 17 points, delivered 11 assists, and collected four rebounds. With 33 starts this season, he’s averaging 14.3 points, 6.3 assists, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.1 steals over roughly 32.7 minutes per game.
Isaac McKneely shined in the recent loss to North Carolina State with 23 points, three rebounds, and two assists. Hitting double digits in four of his last five games, McKneely has scored 20 or more points on five occasions, including a season-high 29 points in a win at Florida State on February 10.
Across 32 starts, he’s averaging 12.5 points, three rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 32.2 minutes each game.
I’m leaning toward the Over in this early NCAA Tournament matchup. Virginia has too often played short of their talent, so I’m sticking with the lightly favored CSU to cover the spread.
PREDICTION: Colorado State wins 66-62
BET: Colorado State -2.0 (-115)
BET: Over 120.5 (-110)
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