In this article, we will formulate a Virginia vs Duke prediction for this College Basketball game on Monday, February 17th at John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this College Basketball matchup.
Virginia Cavaliers Betting Preview
The Virginia Cavaliers are 13-12 (6-8) this year after they defeated Virginia Tech by a score of 73-70 in their last game. Virginia led 40-33 at halftime and they were able to get the win, despite being outscored 37-33 in the second half. The Cavaliers shot 46% from the field, 35.5% on three-pointers, and 84.2% on free throws in the game. Isaac McKneely led Virginia with 22 points and three rebounds, while Anthony Robinson added 15 points and seven rebounds in the game.
Prior to that win, the Cavaliers defeated Georgia Tech by a score of 75-61 and Pittsburgh by a score of 73-57. Virginia has won four of their last five games and they are currently tied for ninth in the ACC standings with a 6-8 record. Virginia has scored 64.6 points per game and they have allowed 64.9 points per game, while also averaging 30.7 rebounds and 15.4 assists per game this season. Isaac McNeely is averaging 13.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game, while Elijah Saunders is averaging 11.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.8 assists per game this year. Virginia is shooting 44.8% from the field, 74.6% on free throws, and 37.7% on three-pointers this season.
Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview
The Duke Blue Devils are 22-3 (14-1) this season after they defeated Stanford by a score of 106-70 in their last game. Duke led 49-34 at halftime and added 57 points in the second half in the blowout win. The Blue Devils shot 62.5% from the field, 48.3% on three-pointers, and 92.3% on free throws in the game. Tyrese Proctor led Duke with 23 points and four assists, while Cooper Flagg added 19 points and six assists in the game.
Prior to that victory, the Blue Devils defeated California by a score of 78-57 but did lose to Clemson by a score of 77-71 before that. Duke has won 18 of their last 19 games and they are currently first in the ACC standings with a 14-1 record. Duke has scored 81 points per game and they have allowed 60.8 points per game, while also averaging 38.4 rebounds and 16.7 assists per game this season. Cooper Flagg is averaging 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game, while Kon Knueppel is averaging 13.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game this year. Duke is shooting 48.5% from the field, 77.4% on free throws, and 37.8% on three-pointers this season.
Why Virginia will beat Duke
- Virginia has won 28 of its last 32 night games at John Paul Jones Arena.
- Virginia has won the first half in 26 of its last 32 night games at John Paul Jones Arena.
Why Duke will beat Virginia
- Duke has won 20 of its last 21 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
- Virginia has lost each of its last seven games against AP-ranked opponents.
- Duke has won the first half in 15 of its last 16 games against non-AP-ranked opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Duke’s last nine road night games against the Atlantic Coast Conference have produced a total of 137+ points.
- Each of Virginia’s last eight games against Conference opponents has produced a total of 130+ points.
Matchup/League Facts
- Virginia ranks 362nd among Division 1 teams for pace this season (60.5).
- Virginia ranks 360th among Division 1 teams for field goal attempts per game this season (51.4).
- Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for point differential per game this season (+20.2).
- Duke ranks 1st among Division 1 teams for net rating this season (+30.9).
Virginia vs Duke Prediction
Duke comes into this matchup as one of the best teams in the entire country, but they will be on the road for this game. The Blue Devils did lose their last road game against Clemson by a score of 77-71, but they have been very impressive this season. Duke is shooting 48.5% from the field this year and they are only allowing 60.8 points per game on defense. Virginia has won three games in a row and they have scored at least 73 points in five straight games. The Cavaliers had plenty of issues on offense to start the season, but they have been very good in recent weeks. I think we are going to see Virginia continue to score the basketball and I like the over in this game.