Virginia Cavaliers vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish Picks and Prediction for Tuesday, January 27, 2026

By: Jake Allman Published 01/27/2026, 01:20 AM ET

No. 14 Virginia travels to South Bend to take on Notre Dame in an ACC matchup airing Tuesday at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN2. Virginia enters at 16-3 overall and 5-2 in conference play, while Notre Dame sits at 11-9 overall with a 2-5 ACC record. ESPN Analytics gives Virginia a 70.6 percent chance to win, and recent form favors the Cavaliers despite a loss to North Carolina last time out. Slam dunk your bets with our College Basketball picks.

Virginia Preview

Virginia has been one of the more consistent teams in the ACC, averaging 83.8 points per game while allowing just 68.0. The Cavaliers have won four of the last five, including road victories over SMU and Louisville, and the offense continues to play at a steady pace. Virginia also holds a clear edge on the glass, averaging 42.1 rebounds per game, which has helped control tempo and limit second chances.

The Cavaliers generate clean looks through ball movement, posting 17.3 assists per game while shooting 47 percent from the field. Shot selection and patience have allowed Virginia to stay efficient even when games slow down. That balance shows up defensively as well, with 6.2 blocks and 6.4 steals per game, keeping opponents from finding rhythm.

Notre Dame Preview

Notre Dame snapped a four-game skid with a 68-64 home win over Boston College and will try to build on that momentum. The Fighting Irish average 72.9 points per game and shoot 45 percent from the field, but conference play has exposed issues with consistency. Notre Dame has dropped three straight ACC games at home before the Boston College win, often struggling to keep pace offensively.

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Thijs De Ridder leads Notre Dame with 16.3 points per game while shooting 53.8 percent from the floor, giving the Fighting Irish a reliable interior scoring option. Jalen Haralson adds 14.7 points per game and also leads the team in assists at 2.3. Rebounding remains a concern, with Notre Dame averaging just 37.7 boards per game, a notable gap against a Virginia team that thrives on the glass.

Virginia vs Notre Dame Prediction

Virginia’s ability to dictate tempo and win the rebounding battle should be the deciding factors. Notre Dame can stay competitive early at home, but extended scoring droughts have been a problem against stronger ACC opponents. Expect Virginia to pull away in the second half by limiting transition chances and controlling possessions.

Prediction: Virginia 75, Notre Dame 66

Best Picks: Virginia to win straight up; Under the total based on Virginia’s scoring defense and controlled pace

How To Bet This Matchup

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