The top-ranked Duke Blue Devils (4-0) go head-to-head with the California Golden Bears (4-0) in the 2k Empire Classic at Madison Square Garden. Action gets underway at 9:30 p.m. ET on Thursday, November 21, 2019, and can be seen on ESPN2.
Duke Blue Devils vs. California Golden Bears Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Golden Bears defeated the Prairie View A&M Panthers 54-50, while the Blue Devils beat the Georgia State Panthers 74-63.
Duke played a nearly perfect game. They had a phenomenal offensive rebounding percentage of 55.6 (above their season average of 28.4) and a free throw rate of 0.233 (above their season average of 0.179). Georgia State was 22.2 and 0.133, respectively, for those same stats. Meanwhile, California’s 0.318 free throw rate was their largest advantage over Prairie View A&M, who had a rate of 0.068. The Golden Bears’ mark was above their season average of 0.240, while the Panthers’ was below their season average of 0.256. California’s Grant Anticevich had a solid performance, putting up 13 points and six rebounds. Meanwhile, Duke was lifted by Vernon Carey Jr., who put up 20 points and 14 rebounds.
The offense of California will go head-to-head against the elite defense of Duke. Dating back to last season, the Golden Bears rank 237th in offensive efficiency, while the Blue Devils are seventh in defensive efficiency. The Blue Devils figure to have the edge on that side of the ball. Contrasting tempos will be on display in this battle. The up-and-down Blue Devils rank 33rd in possessions per game, while the more half-court oriented Golden Bears rank 260th.
Duke vs. California Free Pick
Pick: SU Winner – California, ATS Winner – California, O/U – Over
Betting Notes (2018-Present):
- Duke ranks third in rebounds per game (41.5) while California ranks 320th (29.7).
- The Golden Bears rank 12th in steals allowed per game (4.9) while the Blue Devils rank 172nd (6.5).
- Duke ranks first in blocks per game (6.6) while California ranks 158th (3.2).
- The Blue Devils rank 25th in assists per game (15.8) while the Golden Bears rank 278th (11.0).
- Duke ranks 112th in three pointers attempted per game (23.7) while California ranks 292nd (18.8).
