The No. 4 Virginia Cavaliers (16-0, 4-0 ACC) travel to Duke to take on the No. 1 Blue Devils (14-2, 3-1 ACC) in a matchup that pits great offense against tremendous defense. The game will air on ESPN at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 19, 2019.
Virginia Cavaliers at Duke Blue Devils Betting Prediction
In the Cavaliers’ last matchup, they dismantled the No. 9 Virginia Tech Hokies, 81-59. The Cavaliers had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 38.1 (above their season average of 30.7) and had an effective field goal percentage of 0.708 (above their season average of 0.551). Virginia rallied around Ty Jerome, who had 14 points and 12 assists.
The Blue Devils were beaten by the No. 25 Syracuse Orange in their last matchup, 95-91. Syracuse’s effective field goal percentage was their largest advantage over Duke. The Orange had a rate of 0.506 (above their season average of 0.484), while the Blue Devils posted a mark of 0.444 (below their season average of 0.556). With 35 points on 12-for-20 shooting, Zion Williamson was the top scorer from either team.
After the Cavaliers won the lone contest against the Blue Devils last season, 65-63, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. The Cavaliers’ turnover percentage was their biggest advantage over the Blue Devils. Virginia had a rate of 6.7, while Duke posted a mark of 20.8.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of Duke (ninth in the country with an offensive efficiency of 118.0) takes on the elite defense of Virginia (second in the country with a defensive efficiency of 84.2). Also, the Cavaliers rank sixth in turnover percentage (14.4 percent), while the Blue Devils rank 52nd in opponents’ turnover percentage (22.5 percent).
Virginia at Duke Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – Duke, O/U – Under
Click Here to Start Betting Today!
Notes
Betting Notes:
Virginia ranks fourth in rebounds allowed per game (28.6) while Duke ranks 188th (36.6).
The Blue Devils rank third in steals per game (10.8) while the Cavaliers rank 128th (6.1).
Duke ranks first in blocks per game (8.1) while Virginia ranks 123rd (2.9).
The Cavaliers rank first in assists allowed per game (7.9) while the Blue Devils rank 113th (13.0).
Virginia ranks 31st in three pointers allowed per game (19.2) while Duke ranks 123rd (22.4).
Bettings Trends:
The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 23.6, up from 22.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Blue Devils have scored an average of 82.8 points per game (7.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.8 points per game (5.9 above their season average).
*****
