The No. 7 Rhode Island Rams (26-7) face off against the No. 2 Duke Blue Devils (27-7) in the Second Round of the NCAA Tournament at PPG Paints Arena. The game begins at 2:40 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 17, 2018.
Rhode Island Rams vs. Duke Blue Devils Free Prediction
In the First Round, the Rams beat the No. 10 Oklahoma Sooners, 83-78. Rhode Island’s 6.5 turnover percentage was their biggest strength over Oklahoma, who had a rate of 15.0. The Rams’ mark was better than their season average of 13.4. Cyril Langevine had a good game for Rhode Island, recording 14 points and 10 rebounds.
The Blue Devils dismantled the No. 15 Iona Gaels in the First Round, 89-67. Duke’s offensive rebounding percentage was their biggest strength over Iona. The Blue Devils had a rate of 42.4 (above their season average of 39.1), while the Gaels posted a mark of 28.6. With 16 points and nine assists, Grayson Allen played well for Duke.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the productive offense of Duke takes on the stingy defense of Rhode Island. The Blue Devils rank third in offensive efficiency, while the Rams are 47th in defensive efficiency. Furthermore, the Rams rank 17th in turnover percentage (15.4 percent), while the Blue Devils rank 280th in opponents’ turnover percentage (16.9 percent).
Grayson Allen has averaged 16.4 points, 4.2 assists and 2.8 steals over the last five games for Duke.
Rhode Island Rams vs. Duke Blue Devils Odds Pick
Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Rhode Island, ATS Winner – Rhode Island, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Rhode Island ranks third in three pointers allowed per game (16.0) while Duke ranks 237th (23.6).
The Blue Devils rank third in rebounds per game (41.8) while the Rams rank 192nd (34.6).
Rhode Island ranks 39th in assists allowed per game (11.4) while Duke ranks 218th (14.4).
The Blue Devils rank 14th in blocks per game (5.3) while the Rams rank 115th (3.5).
Rhode Island ranks 41st in steals per game (7.4) while Duke ranks 90th in steals allowed per game (5.8).
Bettings Trends:
The Rams’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 2.8, down from 8.2 for the season.
During their last five games, the Blue Devils have scored an average of 76.6 points per game (8.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.8 points per game (1.7 below their season average).
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