Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Virginia Cavaliers Picks and Predictions January 27th 2026

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish host the No. 14 Virginia Cavaliers in an ACC matchup with contrasting stakes. Notre Dame is chasing its first win over a ranked opponent in nearly three years, while Virginia looks to avoid its first losing streak of the season after a collapse against North Carolina. With the Cavaliers favored and the Irish eager to build on their comeback win over Boston College, this contest highlights a clash between a national contender and a program searching for a breakthrough moment.

Line Movement and Odds

Virginia enters as the favorite, but Notre Dame’s home-court resilience makes this line worth monitoring. Current market:

• Virginia Spread: -8.5 (-110)
• Notre Dame Spread: +8.5 (-110)
• Virginia MoneyLine: -375
• Notre Dame MoneyLine: +290
• Total: 144.5 (-110)

For live updates on spreads, totals, and moneylines, follow the College Basketball Odds feed, which refreshes throughout the day.

Matchup Breakdown

Notre Dame Outlook

The Fighting Irish average 72.9 points per game, with Jalen Haralson, Braeden Shrewsberry, and Markus Burton (injured) leading the offense. Shrewsberry’s 22 points vs Boston College highlighted his shooting, while Haralson’s 14.7 points per game showcase his consistency. Notre Dame’s efficiency (11-9 overall record; 2-5 ACC; 8-3 at home) underscores their strengths. Their ability to shoot from deep and rally late makes them dangerous, though Burton’s absence remains a challenge.

Virginia Outlook

The Cavaliers average 83.8 points per game, with Thijs De Ridder, Malik Thomas, and Chance Mallory driving production. De Ridder’s 20 points vs North Carolina highlighted his scoring, while Mallory’s versatility adds balance. Virginia’s efficiency (16-3 overall record; 5-2 ACC; eight players with 13+ made threes) underscores their strengths. Their ability to spread the floor and defend makes them a tough opponent, though lapses in intensity cost them against UNC.

Key Factors

This matchup may hinge on turnovers and perimeter shooting. Virginia must avoid repeat mistakes that led to UNC’s comeback, while Notre Dame must rely on Shrewsberry’s shooting and Haralson’s scoring to tilt the game. Execution in the final minutes will likely decide the margin.

Injuries / Availability

Notre Dame: Markus Burton remains out with a broken ankle.

Virginia: The Cavaliers report no fresh injury concerns heading into Tuesday’s contest.

Environment

Purcell Pavilion has been a steady venue for Notre Dame, where they’ve gone 8-3 this season. Virginia, however, has been strong on the road (4-1), making this a clash of home resilience versus visiting consistency.

Best Bets and Prediction

Projected Final Score: Virginia 79, Notre Dame 70

• Virginia -8.5 → Best Bet. Their offensive depth and defensive adjustments suggest they can cover the spread.
• Under 144.5 → Total play. Notre Dame’s pace points toward a combined score below the line.

Virginia’s depth and shooting should carry them to victory, while Notre Dame’s home-court energy keeps the spread in play. Expect a moderately high-scoring contest with totals landing just under the posted number.

Handicappers and Service Plays

ACC games often create unique betting opportunities. Our Best Handicappers spotlight experts who consistently read market trends, while the Leaderboard highlights who’s riding hot streaks. Premium insights in Buy Picks provide deeper reasoning behind each wager. For contests like Notre Dame vs Virginia, expert perspectives can help identify sharp angles in spreads and totals.