The third-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels (25-5, 15-2 ACC) welcome the fourth-ranked Duke Blue Devils (26-4, 14-3 ACC) to Dean E. Smith Center as the regular season comes to a conclusion. The game starts at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, March 9, 2019, and will air on ESPN.
Duke Blue Devils at North Carolina Tar Heels Betting Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Tar Heels beat the Boston College Eagles 79-66, while the Blue Devils barely escaped the Wake Forest Demon Deacons 71-70.
The Blue Devils had a superb free throw rate of 0.276 (above their season average of 0.239) and had a better effective field goal percentage (0.474 vs. 0.444). Meanwhile, North Carolina dominated nearly every stat category in their game. They had a ridiculous offensive rebounding percentage of 41.7 (above their season average of 35.2) and a free throw rate of 0.105 (matching their season average). For those same stats, Boston College was 14.9 and 0.086, respectively. Luke Maye had a good outing for North Carolina, contributing 17 points, 20 rebounds and five assists. R.J. Barrett played a pivotal role for Duke with 28 points and five rebounds.
In their first matchup this year, Maye led the Tar Heels to an 88-72 win. He recorded a double-double with 30 points and 15 rebounds. North Carolina had a much better effective field goal percentage (0.520 vs. 0.403). Duke, meanwhile, did a great job of making free throws (14-19; 73.7 percent).
The game should be a battle of strength against strength as the high-powered offense of North Carolina takes on the top-notch defense of Duke. The Tar Heels rank 20th in offensive efficiency, while the Blue Devils are fifth in defensive efficiency. Moreover, the Blue Devils, who rank 11th in offensive rebounding percentage (36.6 percent), will clash against the Tar Heels, who rank 14th in defensive rebounding percentage (76.8 percent).
Duke at North Carolina Free Pick
College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – North Carolina, ATS Winner – North Carolina, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Duke ranks first in blocks per game (7.0) while North Carolina ranks 178th in blocks allowed per game (4.8).
- The Blue Devils average 9.6 steals per game, which ranks third in the nation. The Tar Heels rank 164th in steals allowed per game (7.0).
- North Carolina averages 43.5 rebounds per game, which ranks first in the nation. Duke ranks 162nd in rebounds allowed per game (35.3).
- The Blue Devils rank 84th in three pointers attempted per game (24.3) while the Tar Heels rank 260th in three pointers allowed per game (26.3).
- Duke ranks 21st in assists per game (16.1) while North Carolina ranks 184th in assists allowed per game (14.0).
Bettings Trends:
- The Tar Heels’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, down from 13.7 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Blue Devils have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (9.2 below their season average) and allowed an average of 71.4 points per game (4.4 above their season average).
