After the first half of games, the Big Ten leads the Big Ten\/ACC Challenge 4-2. There\u2019s still plenty of time for the ACC to catch up, but they\u2019ll need teams like Virginia Tech to pull off a minor upset. <\/p>\n
NCAA Basketball Matchup: Virginia Tech Hokies vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers Tubby Smith\u2019s Golden Gophers are coming off their first loss of the season. <\/p>\n Will Minnesota bounce back on their home court or will the Hokies give them a two-game losing streak?<\/p>\n Virginia Tech enters this game at 5-1, with their only loss coming at Madison Square Garden against Syracuse. The Hokies don\u2019t have nearly as much offensive firepower this year since Malcolm Delaney graduated. Seth Greenberg has his team playing solid defense this year, and I expect that to be their staple all year long. <\/p>\n Opponents are shooting just 22% from beyond the arc against Virginia Tech. Erick Green has been the team\u2019s star on offense so far this season. Green is shooting 61% from three-point range, and he is averaging 15 points per game. [soliloquy id=”82219″]<\/p>\n Minnesota suffered a major blow when Trevor Mbakwe went down with a season-ending injury last game against Dayton. Mbakwe was the team\u2019s leading scorer and leading rebounder, and it will be difficult for the Golden Gophers without their leader on the court. <\/p>\n Ralph Sampson III is also listed as doubtful for this game. <\/p>\n These injuries will put a ton of pressure on the Golden Gophers youngsters to step up and lead the team. Andre and Austin Hollins are both quality players, and they will need to become more aggressive on both ends of the court.<\/p>\n The Hokies will keep the pace slow, and the injuries will hurt Minnesota\u2019s offense quite a bit. I think the under is the best play here.<\/p>\n
\n9:15 PM EST
\nCollege Basketball Gambling Odds from 5Dimes
\nNCAA Basketball Betting Favorite: Minnesota -3
\nOver\/Under: 133.5<\/strong><\/p>\n