The No. 2 Duke Blue Devils (10-1) clash with the No. 12 Texas Tech Red Raiders (10-0) at Madison Square Garden. The game starts at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 20, 2018, and will air on ESPN2.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Duke Blue Devils Betting Prediction
The last time the Red Raiders played, they dismantled the UIW Cardinals, 87-37. The Red Raiders had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.675 vs. 0.286) and had a much better turnover percentage (18.2 vs. 34.6). With 16 points on 6-for-10 shooting, Jarrett Culver was the top scorer from either team.
The Blue Devils dismantled the No. 2 Kentucky Wildcats in their last outing, 118-84. The Blue Devils had a much better turnover percentage (4.2 vs. 16.5) and had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.620 vs. 0.475). R.J. Barrett was the game’s high scorer with 33 points on 13-for-26 shooting from the field.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the high-octane offense of Duke takes on the top-notch defense of Texas Tech. The Blue Devils rank second in offensive efficiency, while the Red Raiders are first in defensive efficiency.
Both teams have had a player step their game up over their last five games. Culver (0 points) has been great for the Red Raiders while Zion Williamson (0 points) has contributed greatly to the Blue Devils.
Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Duke Blue Devils Odds Pick
College Basketball Prediction: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – Texas Tech, O/U – Over
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Notes
Betting Notes:
Duke ranks 66th in three pointers attempted per game (25.1) while Texas Tech ranks 243rd (17.6).
The Red Raiders rank second in assists allowed per game (8.0) while the Blue Devils rank 135th (13.6).
Texas Tech ranks 18th in rebounds allowed per game (30.2) while Duke ranks 136th (35.4).
The Red Raiders average 5.4 blocks per game, which ranks 18th in the nation. The Blue Devils rank 97th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
Texas Tech ranks 35th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Duke ranks 109th (6.6).
Bettings Trends:
The Red Raiders’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 26.8, up from 26.3 for the season.
During their last five games, the Blue Devils have scored an average of 92.8 points per game (0.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 67.6 points per game (3.3 above their season average).
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