Duke Blue Devils at Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Prediction 01/22/19

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The top-ranked Duke Blue Devils (15-2, 4-1 ACC) and their sensational offense travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Panthers (12-6, 2-3 ACC) and their stifling defense. The game can be seen on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 22, 2019.

Duke Blue Devils vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Betting Odds

In their last game, the Panthers lost to the 25th-ranked Syracuse Orange, 74-63, while the Blue Devils barely escaped the fourth-ranked Virginia Cavaliers, 72-70.

Duke dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a ridiculous free throw rate of 0.353 (above their season average of 0.231) and an offensive rebounding percentage of 30.3 (below their season average of 38.5). For those same stats, Virginia was 0.208 and 24.1, respectively. Pittsburgh, on the other hand, had an offensive rebounding percentage of 39.1 (above their season average of 31.1). Pittsburgh rallied around Jared Wilson-Frame, who contributed 19 points and eight rebounds. Meanwhile, R.J. Barrett played well for Duke, contributing 30 points and five rebounds.

The Blue Devils dominated this series last year, taking both contests. In the last contest, Duke won 81-54. Duke won the rebounding battle. The Blue Devils had 13 offensive rebounds and 36 total rebounds, while the Panthers had seven and 26, respectively. This is the first time these teams will meet this year.

Baskets could be hard to come by in this battle between two of the country’s best defenses. Pittsburgh currently ranks 19th in defensive efficiency (92.5) and Duke is fourth (88.6). Also, the Blue Devils commit the 53rd-fewest errors in the NCAA (turnover percentage of 16.9 percent), while the pesky defense of the Panthers causes the 34th-most (opponents’ turnover percentage of 22.9 percent).

Duke Blue Devils vs. Pittsburgh Panthers Odds Pick

College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Pittsburgh, ATS Winner – Pittsburgh, O/U – Under

Betting Notes:

  • Duke averages 43.5 rebounds per game, which ranks fourth in the NCAA. Pittsburgh ranks 230th in rebounds allowed per game (37.5).
  • The Blue Devils average 10.5 steals per game, which ranks third in the nation. The Panthers rank 138th in steals allowed per game (6.9).
  • Duke averages 24.9 three pointers per game, which ranks 77th in the country. Pittsburgh ranks 178th in three pointers allowed per game (23.6).
  • The Blue Devils rank first in blocks per game (7.7) while the Panthers rank 159th in blocks allowed per game (5.5).
  • Duke ranks 12th in assists per game (17.6) while Pittsburgh ranks 163rd (12.8).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 73.4 points per game (2.9 below their season average) and allowed an average of 78.6 points per game (11.8 above their season average).
  • The Blue Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 8.2, down from 22.1 for the season.