Belmont vs. Duke Free Pick
DURHAM, NC (The Spread) – Will it be another successful season opener for Mike Krzyzewski and the Duke Blue Devils?
ODDS: Oddsmakers have installed the Duke Blue Devils as an 11.5-point favorite over the visiting Belmont Bruins. The last time these two teams played was back in March of 2008 when Duke barely edged Belmont out in a 71-70 victory. This is the first game of the 2011 season for both teams.
LINE MOVEMENT: Duke opened at –12 at most offshore books and at The Orleans in Las Vegas, but most books have dropped them to –11.5. At the Las Vegas Hilton, the Blue Devils have opened at –11.5 and have stayed at that number throughout the day.
View 2012 College Basketball Championship Odds
PUBLIC BETTING: Of the 1,000-plus wagers placed on tonight’s game, 65% of college basketball public bettors currently favor the Blue Devils. This information is subject to change, however, so make sure you click on the link provided for the most up-to-date public betting numbers.
FREE PICK: Take Belmont. The Blue Devils have won 11 straight season openers under Krzyzewski, but this will be a very different Duke team that takes the floor tonight compared to the one that went to the Sweet 16 last year. Gone is ACC Player of the Year Nolan Smith, Kyle Singler and freshman Kyrie Irving, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft. Junior guard Seth Curry is back but this is a team that will need time to gel over the first couple weeks of the season. According to latest college basketball trends, the Bruins are 5-1 against the spread in their last six non-conference games and 5-2 ATS in their last seven games as an underdog. Duke, meanwhile, is 4-9 ATS in its last 13 games as a favorite of 7.0-12.5 points and 2-7 ATS in its last nine games as a home favorite of 7.0-12.5 points.
FRIDAY COLLEGE BASKETBALL FREE PICK: BELMONT BRUINS +11.5
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