It will be a battle between ACC opponents when the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-9, 1-6 ACC) welcome the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils (17-2, 6-1 ACC) to Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center. The game will air on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, January 28, 2019.
Duke Blue Devils vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish ATS Prediction
The Blue Devils come in on a high note after defeating the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in their last game, 66-53. The Blue Devils made 16 of their 19 free throws (84.2 percent), while the Yellow Jackets had a turnover percentage of 23.9 (above their season average of 19.5). Duke was led by R.J. Barrett, who was the top scorer from either team with 24 points on 8-for-16 shooting.
In the Fighting Irish’s previous outing, they were blown out by the No. 3 Virginia Cavaliers, 82-55. Virginia’s turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over Notre Dame. The Cavaliers had a rate of 2.8 (better than their season average of 12.3), while the Fighting Irish posted a mark of 9.8. With 15 points on 6-for-15 shooting, John Mooney was Notre Dame’s high scorer.
After the Blue Devils won both matchups against the Fighting Irish last season, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. In the most recent contest, Duke won 88-70. The Blue Devils had a better free throw rate (0.123 vs. 0.075) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (31.0 vs. 22.5).
Ball protection could play a significant role in this showdown. Notre Dame commits the third-fewest miscues in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 14.2 percent), while the disruptive defense of Duke forces the 44th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.3 percent). Opposite styles will be on display in this contest. The fast-breaking Blue Devils rank 20th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Fighting Irish rank 281st.
Duke vs. Notre Dame Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – Notre Dame, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Duke averages 42.9 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the nation. Notre Dame ranks 266th in rebounds allowed per game (38.9).
The Blue Devils rank second in steals per game (10.5) while the Fighting Irish rank 185th (5.3).
Notre Dame averages 5.7 blocks per game, which ranks fifth in the nation. Duke ranks 107th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
The Blue Devils rank 14th in assists per game (17.3) while the Fighting Irish rank 111th (14.1).
Duke averages 24.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 82nd in the nation. Notre Dame ranks 175th in three pointers allowed per game (23.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Blue Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.6, down from 21.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Fighting Irish have scored an average of 65.4 points per game (7.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.6 points per game (3.2 above their season average).
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