The No. 16 North Dakota State Bison (19-15) go head-to-head against the No. 1 Duke Blue Devils (29-5) in the First Round of the NCAA Tournament at Colonial Life Arena. The Bison opened as a 26.5-point underdog. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 148.5 points and it begins at 7:10 p.m. ET on Friday, March 22, 2019.
North Dakota State Bison vs. Duke Blue Devils Betting Odds
Both teams beat their last opponent. The Blue Devils defeated the 12th-ranked Florida State Seminoles 73-63, while the Bison beat the No. 16 North Carolina Central Eagles 78-74.
North Dakota State dominated nearly every stat category in the game. They had a superb turnover percentage of 8.8 (better than their season average of 14.4) and a free throw rate of 0.365 (above their season average of 0.245). For those same stats, North Carolina Central was 12.0 and 0.298, respectively. The Blue Devils, on the other hand, held the Seminoles to an effective field goal percentage of 0.381 (below their season average of 0.511) and had a free throw rate of 0.309 (above their season average of 0.237). Duke’s Zion Williamson led the way, putting up 21 points and five rebounds. Tyson Ward fueled North Dakota State with 23 points and six rebounds.
Bison matchups have typically finished over the total (62.5 percent). North Dakota State comes into the contest with records of 19-15 straight up (SU) and 15-17 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to North Dakota State, games featuring the Blue Devils have a tendency to go under the total (70.6 percent). Additionally, Duke owns records of 29-5 SU and 18-16 ATS.
Duke could dominate on the offensive side of the ball as their productive offense faces off against one of the country’s worst defenses. The Blue Devils rank 23rd in offensive efficiency, while North Dakota State ranks 300th in defensive efficiency.
North Dakota State vs. Duke Free Pick
Free College Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – North Dakota State, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- Duke ranks second in rebounds per game (41.8) while North Dakota State ranks 292nd (31.5).
- The Blue Devils rank first in blocks per game (6.8) while the Bison rank 201st (2.5).
- North Dakota State ranks 46th in three pointers attempted per game (25.9) while Duke ranks 152nd in three pointers allowed per game (22.1).
- The Blue Devils rank third in steals per game (9.5) while the Bison rank 247th (4.7).
- Duke ranks 23rd in assists per game (15.9) while North Dakota State ranks 237th (11.6).
Bettings Trends:
- The Blue Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 3.0, down from 15.9 for the season.
- During their last five games, the Bison have scored an average of 76.4 points per game (5.1 above their season average) and allowed an average of 69.8 points per game (0.4 below their season average).