The Virginia Cavaliers take on the Ohio State Buckeyes in the Nashville Hoops Showdown, a brand-new mid-February showcase that gives teams one last shot at a non-conference win to boost their tournament resumes.
Virginia is currently rolling, while Ohio State needs another win to get on the right side of the bubble.
So often this time of year, the more desperate team is the one to pick, which is why my Virginia vs. Ohio State predictions have the Buckeyes prevailing.
Find out more in my college basketball picks for Saturday, February 14.
Virginia vs Ohio State prediction
Virginia vs Ohio State best bet: Ohio State moneyline (+160)
The Ohio State Buckeyes are currently listed among the first four teams out in most major bracketology projections, thanks to their 1-7 record in Quad 1 games.
ACC power Virginia Cavaliers offers an ideal opportunity to improve that mark. Virginia has won five straight games but hasn't looked good, going 1-4 ATS. They needed an 11-1 closing run at Florida State last time out to avoid the upset.
The Buckeyes can score inside, ranking No. 18 nationally in two-point percentage. Virginia has shown some shakiness on the interior lately. Bad Boston College and Syracuse teams shot 55% against them.
Virginia vs Ohio State same-game parlay
Boston College forward Jayden Hastings hit 5-of-6 shots against UVA, nearly doubling his season scoring average. Syracuse wing Naithan George scored 8-of-9 inside. Royal will follow the ACC players' blueprint and have a big day inside. He's topped 14 points in four of his last five games.
Mobley is Ohio State's most prolific three-point shooter, and UVA's perimeter defense will make sure he's guarded when he steps outside. That should open up some passing lanes for him to find Royal and company inside. He has 15 assists in his last five games.
Virginia vs Ohio State SGP
- Ohio State moneyline
- Devin Royal Over 12.5 points
- John Mobley Over 2.5 assists
Our beyond the arc SGP: Take a Chance!
Chance Mallory has the highest free-throw rate on UVA, with .57 free throws per shot attempted from the field. Ohio State ranks No. 284 in the country at defensive free-throw rate, meaning Mallory should get plenty of chances at the line.
Ohio State is a middle-of-the-pack rebounding team on offense and a bad one on the defensive end. Thijs De Ridder has one of the highest offensive rebounding rates at UVA and has 39 rebounds in the last five games.
Virginia vs Ohio State SGP
- Ohio State moneyline
- Devin Royal Over 12.5 points
- Chance Mallory Over 9.5 points
- Thijs De Ridder Over 6.5 rebounds
Virginia vs Ohio State odds
- Spread: Virginia -5 (-110) | Ohio State +5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Virginia -185 | Ohio State +161
- Over/Under: Over 145.5 (-110) | Under 145.5 (-110)
Virginia vs Ohio State betting trend to know
Virginia has hit the team total Under in its last four games. Find more college basketball betting trends for Virginia vs. Ohio State.
How to watch Virginia vs Ohio State
| Location | Bridgestone Arena, Nashville, TN |
| Date | Saturday, February 14, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
Virginia vs Ohio State key injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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