The No. 2 Duke Blue Devils (20-2, 8-1 ACC) travel to Virginia to take on the No. 3 Cavaliers (20-1, 8-1 ACC) in a matchup that pits phenomenal offense against tremendous defense. The game will air on ESPN at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Duke Blue Devils vs. Virginia Cavaliers ATS Prediction
In the Blue Devils’ last outing, they dismantled the Boston College Eagles, 80-55. The Blue Devils had a great turnover percentage of 8.6 (better than their season average of 14.5) and held the Eagles to an offensive rebounding percentage of 17.1 (below their season average of 28.3). Zion Williamson played a key role for Duke with 16 points and 17 rebounds.
The Cavaliers defeated the Miami (FL) Hurricanes in their last contest, 56-46. Virginia out-rebounded Miami (FL). The Cavaliers had 12 offensive rebounds and 42 total rebounds, while the Hurricanes had five and 24, respectively. De’Andre Hunter was Virginia’s high scorer with 14 points on 6-for-13 shooting from the field.
The game should be a matchup of strength against strength as the productive offense of Virginia takes on the stingy defense of Duke. The Cavaliers rank fourth in offensive efficiency, while the Blue Devils are fourth in defensive efficiency. This game should be a matchup of opposite tempos. The quick-paced Blue Devils rank 30th in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Cavaliers rank 351st.
This is the second game of the season between these two squads. R.J. Barrett scored a game-high 30 points in the first matchup, in which the Blue Devils defeated the Cavaliers 72-70. He also put up five rebounds. The Blue Devils had a much better free throw rate (0.353 vs. 0.208) and had a much better offensive rebounding percentage (30.3 vs. 24.1).
Duke Blue Devils at Virginia Cavaliers Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – Duke, O/U – Under
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Virginia ranks eighth in rebounds allowed per game (29.4) while Duke ranks 174th (35.5).
The Blue Devils rank third in steals per game (10.4) while the Cavaliers rank 167th (5.6).
Duke ranks 91st in three pointers attempted per game (24.4) while Virginia ranks 229th (20.0).
The Blue Devils rank first in blocks per game (7.5) while the Cavaliers rank 95th (3.5).
Virginia ranks first in assists allowed per game (8.0) while Duke ranks 72nd (12.0).
Bettings Trends:
The Blue Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.0, down from 21.8 for the season.
During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (4.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 56.6 points per game (3.7 above their season average).
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