It will be a showdown between two superb defenses when the ninth-ranked Duke Blue Devils (16-3, 6-2 ACC), 16.5-point favorites, meet the Pittsburgh Panthers (13-7, 4-5 ACC) at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The game’s Over/Under (O/U) opened at 137.5 points and it can be seen on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET on Tuesday, January 28, 2020.
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Duke Blue Devils Betting Odds
The Blue Devils had no trouble getting past the Miami (FL) Hurricanes in their last outing, 89-59, easily covering as 19-point favorites. The Panthers, meanwhile, were defeated by the Syracuse Orange, 69-61, and were unable to cover as 6-point underdogs. The Duke game finished 1 point over the projected point total of 147, while the Pittsburgh game finished 1 point under the projected point total of 131.
The Blue Devils, who came into the game averaging an effective field goal percentage of 0.540, had an outstanding mark of 0.617 and had a turnover percentage of 12.5 (better than their season average of 15.8). Pittsburgh, meanwhile, had a better turnover percentage (14.9 vs. 16.6). Duke rallied around Matthew Hurt, who had 22 points and six rebounds. Justin Champagnie, meanwhile played well for Pittsburgh, contributing 14 points and nine rebounds.
The Blue Devils won the only contest between these two teams last season, 79-64. Duke won the rebounding battle. The Blue Devils had 16 offensive rebounds and 39 total rebounds, while the Panthers had 11 and 34, respectively. This will be the first matchup of the year between these two teams.
Games featuring the Panthers have a tendency to go under the total (55.0 percent). Pittsburgh holds records of 13-7 straight up (SU) and 10-10 against the spread (ATS).
Contrary to Pittsburgh, Blue Devils games have typically gone over the total (68.4 percent). Further, Duke is 16-3 SU and 11-8 ATS.
Conflicting tempos will be on display in this contest. Duke likes to play fast (44th in possessions per game), while Pittsburgh is methodical (334th in possessions per game).
Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Duke Blue Devils Odds Pick
Basketball Pick: SU Winner – Duke, ATS Winner – Duke, O/U – Under
Betting Notes:
- Duke ranks 17th in assists per game (16.4) while Pittsburgh ranks 180th (12.4).
- The Panthers rank 35th in steals allowed per game (5.3) while the Blue Devils rank 171st (7.4).
- Duke averages 6.4 blocks per game, which ranks fifth in the NCAA. Pittsburgh ranks 125th in blocks allowed per game (3.6).
- The Blue Devils average 39.9 rebounds per game, which ranks 26th in the country. The Panthers rank 177th in rebounds allowed per game (36.0).
- Duke ranks seventh in three pointers allowed per game (15.9) while Pittsburgh ranks 157th (22.3).
- Duke is 6-6 ATS at home, while Pittsburgh is 4-3 ATS on the road.
- In 7 road games, the Panthers have 4 unders and 3 overs.
- In 12 home games, the Blue Devils have 9 overs and 3 unders.
Bettings Trends:
- In their last five games, Pittsburgh and Duke are both 2-3 ATS.
- The Panthers have 3 unders and 2 overs over their last five games, while the Blue Devils have 4 overs and 1 under
- During their last five games, the Panthers have scored an average of 65.4 points per game (1.0 below their season average) and allowed an average of 66.4 points per game (4.3 above their season average).
- The Blue Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 11.4, down from 19.0 for the season.
