GAME:  #763 Duke vs #764 Virginia   
TIME:    2/29/2020 – 6:00p EST
SPREAD:   Duke  -3.5
TOTAL:      125
SPORTSBOOK:  SportsBetting.ag

The #7 Duke Blue Devils (23-5, 13-4) have a tough road ACC battle against the Virginia Cavaliers (20-7, 12-5) at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia on Saturday at 6 p.m. EST. In their previous game, Duke lost in OT at Wake Forest by a score of 101-113 while Virginia beat Virginia Tech by a three-pointer in the final seconds and won by a score of 56-53. These teams met twice last season with the Blue Devils winning both games by scores of 72-70 and 71-81. Duke is looking for their 3rd straight win over Virginia at John Paul Jones Arena. 

DUKE BLUE DEVILS

The Duke Blue Devils are averaging 83 points per game on 47% field-goal shooting while adding 7.1 three-pointers and 11.3 offensive rebounds per game. The Blue Devils are allowing 68 points per game on 41% field goal shooting while forcing 15.3 turnovers and adding 7.4 steals and 3.7 blocks per game.  Duke is led by Vernon Carey jr. who’s averaging 17.6 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game along with Tre Jones who’s adding 16.1 points, 6.5 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.

VIRGINIA CAVALIERS

The Virginia Cavaliers are averaging 57 points per game on 41% field goal shooting while adding 5.9 three-pointers and 7 offensive rebounds per game.  The Cavaliers are allowing only 52 points per game on 37% field goal shooting while forcing 11.8 turnovers and adding 6.8 steals and 2.5 blocks per game.  Virginia is being led by Mamadi Diakite who’s averaging 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game along with Kihei Clark who’s adding 10.8 points and 5 assists per game. 

DUKE VS VIRGINIA PREDICTION 

This is a must-win game for Virginia if they want to have any chance of making the tournament. This total on this game is an indicator of the pace as it sits around 125 at most books, the tempo will be controlled by Virginia and they couldn’t be catching Duke at a better time. Duke has lost 2 of their last 3 games, both away from Cameron Indoor. Virginia is playing their best basketball of the year winning their last 5 games while Duke is at their worst. Look for Virginia to control this slow-paced game to cover the spread and possibly win outright in a low scoring battle.  

TRENDS(from covers.com)

DUKE

• Over is 5-0 in Blue Devils last 5 games following a straight up loss.
• Over is 7-0 in Blue Devils last 7 Saturday games.
• Blue Devils are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games as a road favorite.

VIRGINIA

• Over is 5-0 in Cavaliers last 5 Saturday games.
• Cavaliers are 3-0-1 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win.
• Cavaliers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a home underdog.

HEAD TO HEAD

• Road team is 21-5-1 ATS in the last 27 meetings.
• Underdog is 21-8-1 ATS in the last 30 meetings.

SPORTS BETTING ANGLES:

Bookie Analysis:  Virginia +3.5 / Under 125
Fade the Public:   Virginia +3.5 / Under 125
Sharp Action:       Virginia +3.5 / no data

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#7 Duke vs Virginia Prediction & Analysis – College Basketball