Expect a defensive struggle when the second-ranked Duke Blue Devils (20-2, 8-1 ACC) square off against the third-ranked Virginia Cavaliers (20-1, 8-1 ACC) at John Paul Jones Arena. The game can be seen on ESPN at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, February 9, 2019.
Duke Blue Devils vs. Virginia Cavaliers ATS Odds
Both teams were victorious in their last game. The Cavaliers were victorious over the Miami (FL) Hurricanes 56-46, while the Blue Devils dismantled the Boston College Eagles 80-55.
Duke dominated every facet of the game. They had a great turnover percentage of 8.6 (better than their season average of 14.5) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 35.0 (below their season average of 38.4). For those same stats, Boston College was 18.7 and 17.1, respectively. The Cavaliers, on the other hand, had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 38.7 (above their season average of 31.0) and held the Hurricanes to an effective field goal percentage of 0.380 (below their season average of 0.527). De’Andre Hunter fueled Virginia with 14 points and six rebounds. Duke, meanwhile, received a boost from Zion Williamson, who contributed 16 points and 17 rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, R.J. Barrett led the Blue Devils to a 72-70 victory. He was the game’s top overall scorer with 30 points. Getting to the charity stripe was one of Duke’s largest strengths. They made 31 trips to the line, while Virginia went 17 times.
This battle pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Virginia ranks fourth in offensive efficiency and Duke ranks fourth in defensive efficiency. It will also be a battle of conflicting tempos as the up-and-down Blue Devils rank 30th in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Cavaliers rank 351st.
Duke Blue Devils at Virginia Cavaliers Betting Pick
Pick: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – Duke, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Virginia ranks eighth in rebounds allowed per game (29.4) while Duke ranks 174th (35.5).
- The Blue Devils rank first in blocks per game (7.5) while the Cavaliers rank 95th (3.5).
- Virginia ranks first in assists allowed per game (8.0) while Duke ranks 72nd (12.0).
- The Blue Devils rank third in steals per game (10.4) while the Cavaliers rank 167th (5.6).
- Duke ranks 91st in three pointers attempted per game (24.4) while Virginia ranks 229th (20.0).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Cavaliers have scored an average of 68.4 points per game (4.5 below their season average) and allowed an average of 56.6 points per game (3.7 above their season average).
- The Blue Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 21.0, down from 21.8 for the season.
