The No. 1 Duke Blue Devils (15-2, 4-1 ACC) travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers (12-6, 2-3 ACC) in a matchup that pits sensational offense against stifling defense. The game starts at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 22, 2019, and will air on ESPN.
Duke Blue Devils vs. Pittsburgh Panthers ATS Prediction
In the Blue Devils’ last contest, they topped the No. 4 Virginia Cavaliers, 72-70. The Blue Devils had a phenomenal free throw rate of 0.353 (above their season average of 0.231) and held the Cavaliers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 24.1 (below their season average of 31.0). Duke was led by R.J. Barrett, who was the top scorer from either team with 30 points on 11-for-19 shooting.
The Panthers lost to the No. 25 Syracuse Orange in their last contest, 74-63. Syracuse’s 0.222 free throw rate was their biggest strength over Pittsburgh, who had a mark of 0.123. The Orange’s mark was below their season average of 0.283, while the Panthers’ was below their season average of 0.343. With 19 points on 7-for-15 shooting, Jared Wilson-Frame was Pittsburgh’s high scorer.
After the Blue Devils won both games against the Panthers last season, this will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams. In the last game, Duke won 81-54. The Blue Devils had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (40.6 vs. 23.3) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.625 vs. 0.449).
This showdown figures to be low-scoring as two of the country’s premier defenses face off. Pittsburgh ranks 19th in defensive efficiency (92.5) and Duke is fourth (88.6). Furthermore, the Blue Devils commit the 53rd-fewest errors in the country (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while the disruptive defense of the Panthers causes the 34th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.9 percent).
Duke vs. Pittsburgh Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – Duke, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Duke ranks fourth in rebounds per game (43.5) while Pittsburgh ranks 230th in rebounds allowed per game (37.5).
The Blue Devils average 7.7 blocks per game, which ranks first in the NCAA. The Panthers rank 159th in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
Duke ranks 12th in assists per game (17.6) while Pittsburgh ranks 163rd (12.8).
The Blue Devils rank third in steals per game (10.5) while the Panthers rank 138th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
Duke averages 24.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 77th in the country. Pittsburgh ranks 178th in three pointers allowed per game (23.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Blue Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.2, down from 22.1 for the season.
During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 73.4 points per game (2.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.6 points per game (11.8 above their season average).
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