The second-ranked Duke Blue Devils (17-2, 6-1 ACC) will be at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center to challenge the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (11-9, 1-6 ACC) in an ACC matchup. Action begins at 7 p.m. ET on Monday, January 28, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN.
Duke Blue Devils at Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Odds
In their last outing, the Fighting Irish got blown out by the third-ranked Virginia Cavaliers, 82-55, while the Blue Devils defeated the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, 66-53.
Duke dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a superb free throw rate of 0.276 (above their season average of 0.237) and a turnover percentage of 16.4 (worse than their season average of 14.2). For those same stats, Georgia Tech put up marks of 0.034 and 23.9, respectively. Notre Dame, on the other hand, had a better free throw rate (0.049 vs. 0.060). John Mooney was a key piece for Notre Dame with 15 points and 10 rebounds. R.J. Barrett had a solid performance for Duke, finishing with 24 points and 11 rebounds.
The Blue Devils dominated this series last year, securing victories in both contests. In the last game, Duke won 88-70. Duke’s 0.123 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Notre Dame, who had a mark of 0.075. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Based on each team’s statistical profile, ball protection could play a key role in this battle. Notre Dame commits the third-fewest miscues in the country (turnover percentage of 14.2 percent), while the gambling defense of Duke forces the 44th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.3 percent). Contrasting paces will be on display in this contest. The fast-breaking Blue Devils rank 20th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Fighting Irish rank 281st.
Duke Blue Devils at Notre Dame Fighting Irish Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – Duke, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Duke averages 42.9 rebounds per game, which ranks fifth in the NCAA. Notre Dame ranks 266th in rebounds allowed per game (38.9).
- The Blue Devils rank 14th in assists per game (17.3) while the Fighting Irish rank 111th (14.1).
- Duke averages 24.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 82nd in the NCAA. Notre Dame ranks 175th in three pointers allowed per game (23.4).
- The Blue Devils rank second in steals per game (10.5) while the Fighting Irish rank 185th (5.3).
- Notre Dame ranks fifth in blocks per game (5.7) while Duke ranks 107th in blocks allowed per game (3.4).
Bettings Trends:
- The Fighting Irish have been outscored by an average of 7.2 points in their last five games. On the season, Notre Dame has defeated opponents by an average of 3.6 points.
- During their last five games, the Blue Devils have scored an average of 77.6 points per game (9.8 below their season average) and allowed an average of 72.0 points per game (5.8 above their season average).
