Offense meets defense when the No. 5 Duke Blue Devils (18-2, 6-2 ACC) welcome the No. 2 Virginia Cavaliers (19-1, 8-0 ACC) to Cameron Indoor Stadium. The game starts at 2 p.m. ET on Saturday, January 27, 2018.
Virginia Cavaliers vs. Duke Blue Devils Betting Prediction
In the Cavaliers’ last game, they blew out the No. 20 Clemson Tigers, 61-36. The Cavaliers forced 19 turnovers and held the Tigers to an offensive rebounding percentage of 18.8 (below their season average of 26.4). Virginia was lifted by Devon Hall, who was the top scorer from either team with 14 points on 6-for-11 shooting.
The Blue Devils were victorious over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons in their last matchup, 84-70. The Blue Devils made 30 of their 39 free throws (76.9 percent), while the Demon Deacons had a turnover percentage of 23.7 (above their season average of 16.6). Wendell Carter Jr. was the top scorer from either team with 23 points on 6-for-9 shooting.
This matchup pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Duke ranks second in offensive efficiency and Virginia is second in defensive efficiency. Ball security should be an advantage for the Cavaliers. They rank 15th at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 15.4 percent), while the Blue Devils force the 81st-fewest turnovers in the nation (opponents’ turnover percentage of 17.6 percent).
Carter Jr. and Gary Trent Jr. have played well over the last five games for Duke. Carter Jr. has averaged 14.4 points, 9.2 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.4 steals per game. Not to be outdone, Trent Jr. has put up 18.6 points and 1.6 steals a game during that span.
After the Blue Devils won the sole contest against the Cavaliers last season, 65-55, these teams will go head-to-head for the first time this year. Duke’s 0.429 free throw rate was their biggest advantage over Virginia, who had a mark of 0.140.
Virginia Cavaliers at Duke Blue Devils Betting Pick
Free Pick: SU Winner – Virginia, ATS Winner – Virginia, O/U – Over
Notes
Betting Notes:
Duke ranks second in rebounds per game (43.0) while Virginia ranks 241st (33.0).
The Cavaliers rank first in assists allowed per game (8.0) while the Blue Devils rank 153rd (13.8).
Duke ranks 124th in three pointers attempted per game (22.3) while Virginia ranks 227th (19.1).
The Blue Devils rank 18th in blocks per game (5.4) while the Cavaliers rank 51st (4.4).
Duke ranks 26th in steals per game (8.0) while Virginia ranks sixth in steals allowed per game (4.3).
Bettings Trends:
The Cavaliers’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 15.0, down from 17.6 for the season.
During their last five games, the Blue Devils have scored an average of 84.8 points per game (6.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 64.4 points per game (8.3 below their season average).
