Syracuse Orange vs. Duke Blue Devils Betting Prediction 03/14/19

Posts AdminArticles, Basketball, College Basketball

The Syracuse Orange (20-12, 11-8 ACC) go head-to-head against the fifth-ranked Duke Blue Devils (26-5, 14-4 ACC) in the Atlantic Coast Conference Tourney at Spectrum Center. The game will air on ESPN at 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 14, 2019.

Syracuse Orange vs. Duke Blue Devils ATS Odds

In their last game, the Blue Devils were beaten by the third-ranked North Carolina Tar Heels, 79-70, while the Orange were victorious over the Pittsburgh Panthers, 73-59.

Syracuse dominated every facet of the game. They had an effective field goal percentage of 0.547 (above their season average of 0.491) and a free throw rate of 0.283 (above their season average of 0.250). Pittsburgh was 0.418 and 0.236, respectively, for those same stats. Duke, on the other hand, did an excellent job of converting from the free throw line (12-17; 70.6 percent). Duke was lifted by R.J. Barrett, who finished with 26 points and 12 rebounds. Buddy Boeheim, meanwhile was a key piece for Syracuse with 20 points and six rebounds.

This showdown pits one of the nation’s top offenses against one of its elite defenses. Duke currently ranks 18th in offensive efficiency and Syracuse ranks 58th in defensive efficiency.

Syracuse Orange vs. Duke Blue Devils Free Pick

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

Betting Notes:

  • Duke averages 42.1 rebounds per game, which ranks second in the country. Syracuse ranks 234th in rebounds allowed per game (37.1).
  • The Orange rank 19th in steals per game (8.3) while the Blue Devils rank 150th in steals allowed per game (6.6).
  • Syracuse blocks 4.8 opponent shots per game, which is ranked 16th in the nation. Duke ranks 108th in blocks allowed per game (3.2).
  • The Blue Devils average 16.1 assists per game, which ranks 22nd in the nation. The Orange rank 234th in assists allowed per game (14.7).
  • Duke averages 24.5 three pointers per game, which ranks 81st in the country. Syracuse ranks 281st in three pointers allowed per game (26.2).

Bettings Trends:

  • During their last five games, the Orange have scored an average of 69.0 points per game (0.7 below their season average) and allowed an average of 70.4 points per game (5.3 above their season average).
  • The Blue Devils’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 5.4, down from 16.7 for the season.