The Duke Blue Devils (14-5, 5-3 ACC) battle the Virginia Tech Hokies (11-8, 1-7) Monday. Tip from Cassell Coliseum is set for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Duke vs. Virginia Tech odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and bets.
Duke beat Miami 68-66 Saturday, failing to cover as a 6-point home favorite. The Blue Devils have not covered in 5 straight games and are 2-8 in their last 10. They are 7-12 against the spread (ATS) this season. Duke’s strength is defense, ranking 38th in the nation in opponents’ points per game (63.5).
The Hokies are 8-2 straight up at home. They are coming off a 51-50 road loss to Clemson in which they failed to cover as a 1-point favorite. Virginia Tech has failed to cover 7 in a row and is 3-7 ATS in its last 10. Its defense ranks 79th in the nation in opponents’ points per game (65.6).
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Duke at Virginia Tech odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 10:28 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Duke +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Virginia Tech -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Duke +2.5 (-105) | Virginia Tech -2.5 (-115)
- Over/Under (O/U): 137.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Duke at Virginia Tech picks and predictions
Prediction
Duke 68, Virginia Tech 66
Moneyline
PASS.
Considering the value difference, I would take Duke on the spread.
Against the spread
LEAN DUKE +2.5 (-105).
Simply put, Duke is playing basketball than Virginia Tech right now. The Hokies have lost 7 in a row, 2 of which came at home. It has been the Hokies offense that has struggled as they haven’t scored over 70 in 4 of their last 5.
Duke has a strong defense and should keep that trend alive. It has scored 70 or more in 6 of its last 10 and, despite a 2-8 ATS record over its last 10, it will be an underdog for the first time this season, closing as a favorite against Purdue, Ohio State, Xavier and Kansas.
The Blue Devils have talent, and the market has adjusted to their struggles. Now should be the time to back DUKE +2.5 (-105).
Over/Under
BET UNDER 137.5 (-110).
If there’s 1 thing both teams have, it is a strong defense. That has aided both teams to be better at hitting the projected Under this season. Virginia Tech is 9-10 O/U while Duke is 7-12 O/U.
The Blue Devils have gone Under in 4 of their last 5 while Virginia Tech has gone Under in 3 of its last 5. Both rank outside the top 90 in field goal attempts per game, so neither team pushes with pace often. Couple it all together, and back the UNDER 137.5 (-110).
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