Rider at Virginia Picks and Predictions for Monday, November 3, 2025
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The college basketball season begins in Charlottesville as Virginia hosts Rider at John Paul Jones Arena. The Cavaliers open a new chapter under first-year head coach Ryan Odom, looking to reestablish their place near the top of the ACC, while Rider enters with a heavily rebuilt roster under longtime head coach Kevin Baggett. Our college basketball picks help you to build your bankroll.
Game Information for Rider vs Virginia
Location: John Paul Jones Arena, Charlottesville, VA
Time: 7:00 p.m. ET
TV: ACC Extra
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Rider Preview
Kevin Baggett enters his 13th season at Rider with a drastically restructured lineup featuring 10 newcomers, including six transfers with Division I experience. Senior guard-forward Zion Cruz and senior forward Mohamad Diallo return as the most experienced players, giving the Broncs a foundation for leadership and scoring. Sophomores Flash Burton and Davis Bynum should also take on larger roles, while newcomers Caleb Smith and Shemani Fuller are expected to add backcourt scoring and frontcourt presence.
Early in the season, Baggett’s focus is on building chemistry and establishing consistent rotations. Rider’s preseason projection in the middle of the MAAC standings reflects uncertainty more than a lack of talent. The Broncs plan to play an uptempo style to maximize their roster depth, though sustaining that pace against Virginia’s defense will be difficult. The key for Rider will be limiting turnovers and finding its rhythm against one of the most deliberate defensive teams in the country.
Virginia Preview
Ryan Odom takes over a program with strong defensive tradition and immediate expectations. The Cavaliers finished 15–17 last season but return to action with an upgraded roster anchored by several transfers. Former BYU guard Dallin Hall is expected to lead the offense, while big men Ugonna Onyenso from Kansas State and Martin Carrere from VCU bolster the interior. Senior guards Malik Thomas and Devin Tillis bring scoring and experience to a system that relies on excellent shot selection.
While Odom’s tempo will be slightly faster than Virginia’s past approach, defense and execution remain the program’s calling cards. The Cavaliers still possess a clear advantage in size, length, and overall athleticism. Spacing and perimeter shooting, led by multiple newcomers capable of shooting threes, should stretch Rider’s defense and open scoring lanes. With home-court and a deep roster, Virginia enters as one of the night’s most heavily favored teams.
Rider at Virginia Prediction
Virginia’s defense and balanced scoring provide a major advantage against a Rider team still learning to play together. The Cavaliers will control tempo, dictate possessions, and steadily build a big lead. Expect Odom’s debut to deliver a strong opening performance as Virginia cruises to a comfortable win. Final Score Prediction: Virginia Cavaliers win and cover ATS, 82–54.
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Best Picks
- Virginia Cavaliers -22.5
- Under 138.5
- Virginia 1H -11.5
