Virginia Cavaliers vs Northwestern Wildcats Prediction, Odds and Picks for Today, 11/21/25

The Northwestern Wildcats and the Virginia Cavaliers will meet for a non-conference game in West Virginia. This matchup is 1 of 2 games on Friday inside the Greenbrier Colonial Hall for the Greenbrier Tip-Off tournament. South Carolina will play Butler in the opener on Friday and this matchup will follow. The spread is currently set at Virginia -4.5, so it should be a close game — but my best bet for Northwestern vs Virginia is the under.

Both teams have played at a very slow pace so far this season. According to KenPom, Northwestern is ranked #310 in adjusted tempo and #363 in average defensive position; Virginia is ranked #312 in adjusted tempo and #354 in average defensive possession length. It should be a slow-paced game that will limit the number of points scored by both teams. Each side has displayed solid defense to start the year, giving the total a great chance to stay under. Virginia is allowing just 61.5 points per game, while Northwestern is giving up 60.3. According to KenPom, Virginia’s defense is ranked #4 in 2-point percentage and #5 in effective field-goal percentage. Northwestern’s defense is ranked #9 in 2-point percentage and #20 in effective field-goal percentage. It should be hard for both teams to score inside the paint, and I do not see either team shooting the ball well enough for the total to go over.

Northwestern vs Virginia prediction: Under 146.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 145.

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