Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Duke Blue Devils Betting Prediction 12/20/18

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The 12th-ranked Texas Tech Red Raiders (10-0) challenge the second-ranked Duke Blue Devils (10-1) at Madison Square Garden. Action gets underway at 7 p.m. ET on Thursday, December 20, 2018, and can be seen on ESPN2.

Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Duke Blue Devils ATS Odds

Both teams easily got past their last opponent. The Blue Devils defeated the second-ranked Kentucky Wildcats 118-84, while the Red Raiders beat the UIW Cardinals 87-37.

Texas Tech dominated nearly every facet of the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.675 and a turnover percentage of 18.2. For those same stats, UIW had marks of 0.286 and 34.6, respectively. Duke, on the other hand, dominated nearly every facet of their game. They had a turnover percentage of 4.2 and an effective field goal percentage of 0.620. Kentucky was 16.5 and 0.475, respectively, for those same stats. R.J. Barrett played well for Duke with 33 points and six assists. Texas Tech was led by Jarrett Culver, who had 16 points.

The Red Raiders’ Culver has been playing well over his last five games, averaging 0 points per game. Meanwhile, Zion Williamson has averaged 0 points during that same time frame for the Blue Devils.

This showdown pits one of the NCAA’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Duke ranks second in offensive efficiency and Texas Tech ranks first in defensive efficiency.

Texas Tech Red Raiders vs. Duke Blue Devils Pick

Prediction: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – Duke, O/U – Over

Betting Notes:

  • Duke ranks 66th in three pointers attempted per game (25.1) while Texas Tech ranks 243rd (17.6).
  • The Red Raiders rank 18th in blocks per game (5.4) while the Blue Devils rank 97th in blocks allowed per game (3.5).
  • Texas Tech ranks 35th in steals allowed per game (5.4) while Duke ranks 109th (6.6).
  • The Red Raiders rank second in assists allowed per game (8.0) while the Blue Devils rank 135th (13.6).
  • Texas Tech ranks 18th in rebounds allowed per game (30.2) while Duke ranks 136th (35.4).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Red Raiders have scored an average of 75.6 points per game (1.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 48.8 points per game (2.4 below their season average).
  • The Blue Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 25.2, down from 29.4 for the season.