
The Virginia Cavaliers will be at home to face the Duke Blue Devils on Saturday. These ACC rivals will match up for the first time this season after splitting the series last year. Virginia is 18-4, ranked eighth in the nation, and they’ve won eight of their previous nine after beating NC State earlier this week. Duke is down to 17-7, and they just lost to Miami on the road, 81-59. Today, we’ll see if the Blue Devils can shake off a rough loss to Miami, where they committed 21 turnovers.
Duke Blue Devils vs. Virginia Cavaliers Betting Odds
Team | Spread | Total | Money Line |
Duke Blue Devils | +5.5 (-102) | Over 126.5 (-115) | +205 |
Virginia Cavaliers | -5.5 (-120) | Under 126.5 (-105) | -255 |
Duke Blue Devils vs. Virginia Cavaliers Match Details
Fixture: Duke Blue Devils @ Virginia Cavaliers
Date & Time: Saturday, February 11, 4:00 p.m. EDT
Venue: John Paul Jones Arena
Duke Blue Devils vs. Virginia Cavaliers Key Stats
Duke has done well offensively this year, averaging 109 points per 100 possessions, but in each of their last two games, they’ve struggled from the field. The Blue Devils are led by big man Kyle Filipowski, who leads his team in scoring (15.5 PPG) and rebounding (9.3 RPG). Filipowski had one of his worst games against #19 Miami, but Virginia doesn’t have a ton of size, which is one of their few weaknesses. Aside from the freshman Filipowksi, junior guard Jeremy Roach has been solid, but overall they’ve lacked consistent scoring threats. Duke was ranked for most of this season, but an 8-5 conference record isn’t great considering their preseason expectations.
Virginia loves to play at a very slow, controlled pace, and they do a great job at taking care of the ball. The Cavaliers commit only 9.1 turnovers per game, and they score 111 points per 100 possessions. Four Virginia players average double-digit points, and senior guard Kihei Clark has been the squad’s leading playmaker. Clark averages 6.0 assists per game, the 10th-highest mark in the nation. Guard Reece Beekman averages five dimes, and overall, Virginia’s ability to set each other up has made their offense click all year long.
Duke Blue Devils vs. Virginia Cavaliers Betting Prediction
Duke is coming off an embarrassing loss to Miami, and now they’re just 1-6 against the spread in road games. On top of that, they’re an awful 3-10 ATS in conference play, while Virginia has covered each of their past four home contests. Even though Virginia hasn’t been great ATS overall, their defense, especially at home, has been extremely tough to get by. Back the Cavliers here to win and cover, given how poor Duke has been away from home.
Prediction: Virginia -5.5 (-120)
Lucas Abrenica’s NCAA Basketball ATS & ML picks this season are 65-48-3 (+116 units)