The third-ranked Duke Blue Devils (24-3, 12-2 ACC) and their outstanding offense travel to Virginia Tech to take on the 20th-ranked Hokies (21-6, 10-5 ACC) and their exceptional defense. The game can be seen on ESPN at 7 p.m. ET on Tuesday, February 26, 2019.
Duke Blue Devils at Virginia Tech Hokies Betting Odds
Both teams were victorious over their last opponent. The Hokies defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 67-59, while the Blue Devils beat the Syracuse Orange 75-65.
Duke dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had a free throw rate of 0.237 (below their season average of 0.241) and an effective field goal percentage of 0.517 (below their season average of 0.538). Syracuse was 0.171 and 0.379, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, Virginia Tech played a nearly flawless game. They had an extraordinary offensive rebounding percentage of 50.0 (above their season average of 30.5) and a free throw rate of 0.462 (above their season average of 0.234). Notre Dame had marks of 22.5 and 0.259, respectively, for those same stats. Kerry Blackshear Jr. led the way for Virginia Tech, recording 22 points and 14 rebounds. Meanwhile, R.J. Barrett fueled Duke with 30 points, seven assists and five rebounds.
This was a highly contested series last year. Each won one of the two games played against each other last season. The Hokies won the most recent contest 64-63. Virginia Tech’s free throw rate was their biggest strength over Duke. The Hokies had a rate of 0.300, while the Blue Devils posted a mark of 0.204. This is the first time these teams will battle this year.
The game should be a showdown of strength against strength as the productive offense of Virginia Tech takes on the elite defense of Duke. The Hokies rank ninth in offensive efficiency, while the Blue Devils are sixth in defensive efficiency. It will also be a showdown of contrasting tempos as the fast-breaking Blue Devils rank 28th in possessions per game, while the slower-paced Hokies rank 348th.
Duke vs. Virginia Tech Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – Duke, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Duke ranks second in rebounds per game (42.2) while Virginia Tech ranks 259th (32.6).
- The Hokies rank 32nd in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Blue Devils rank 138th (6.6).
- Virginia Tech averages 15.6 assists per game, which ranks 37th in the country. Duke ranks 111th in assists allowed per game (12.7).
- The Blue Devils rank 77th in three pointers attempted per game (24.8) while the Hokies rank 266th in three pointers allowed per game (26.2).
- Duke ranks first in blocks per game (7.2) while Virginia Tech ranks 183rd (2.5).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Hokies have scored an average of 64.4 points per game (10.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 62.8 points per game (1.7 above their season average).
- The Blue Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 18.6 for the season.
