Virginia Tech Hokies vs Duke Blue Devils Betting Preview
The ACC Tournament title match features the seventh-seeded Virginia Tech Hokies (22-12) against the top-seeded #7 Duke Blue Devils (28-5).
Virginia Tech has defeated Clemson, Notre Dame, and North Carolina to get here, while the Blue Devils have taken down Syracuse and Miami. Duke beat Virginia Tech back in December in their lone matchup during the regular season.
The tip-off of the title game is set for 8:30 p.m. EST inside the Barclays in Brooklyn, NY. Duke is a 6-point favorite over the Hokies, and the over-under is at 136.5 points.
What to Know – Virginia Tech Hokies
Virginia Tech’s bid for the NCAA Tournament continues to strengthen as the Hokies have rallied to get the title game. Most analysts still project the Hokies to fall short of a bid unless VT can pull an upset over the Blue Devils. VT is ranked 25th in the KenPom and 30th in the NCAA NET rankings.
The Hokies were tenth in the ACC, averaging 70.4 points per game while shooting 47.0% from the field and a league-best 39.1% from the 3-point line. Virginia Tech’s defense was second in the conference surrendering 62.1 points per game, 42.7% from the floor, and 32.0% from the arc.
Darius Maddox came off the bench to score 20 points and lead the Hokies to 72-59 upset over the Tar Heels on Friday night. The Hokies’ win advances them to the ACC title for the first time in school history. Keve Aluma added 18 points in the triumph for Virginia Tech.
Virginia Tech is 18-16 against the spread and 3-3 in contests on a neutral site. The Hokies 4-2 ATS over their previous six games.
What to Know – #7 Duke Blue Devils
Duke is back in the ACC title game for head coach Mike Krzyzewski’s final season on the sideline. The Blue Devils most likely won’t get a top-seed on Selection Sunday, but Duke should be a lock for a 2-seed. Duke is ranked 9th in the KenPom and 11th in the NCAA NET.
The Blue Devils led the ACC, scoring 80.6 points per game, thanks to a conference-best 48.9% shooting from the field and 37.3% shooting from deep. Duke’s defense limited opponents to 66.7 points per game, third in the ACC, and led the conference holding teams to 41.4% shooting from the floor and 31.0% shooting from three.
Freshman AJ Griffin helped Duke pull away in the second half and hold off the Miami Hurricanes, 80-76 in Friday’s semifinal. Fellow freshman Paolo Banchero added 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Blue Devils.
Duke shot 50% from the field and outrebounded the Hurricanes, 40-31. The Blue Devils are 17-13-3 ATS with a 2-2 record ATS on a neutral court. Duke is only 3-6 ATS over their last nine contests.
The Pick is In
Can the cinderella story of Virginia Tech end like a tale out of a storybook? We don’t think so.
The size and strength of the Blue Devils will wear on the Hokies, who play their fourth game in as many days. A fitting end to the ACC play for Coach K as Duke takes down the Hokies by double digits.
Betting Pick: Duke Blue Devils -6
