Virginia Cavaliers vs. Duke Blue Devils 1/19/19, Prediction & Odds

Cavaliers vs. Blue Devils Prediction

A highly anticipated showdown is on tap this evening when the fourth-ranked Virginia Cavaliers take on the top-ranked Duke Blue Devils. Is Duke going to rebound from a stunning loss earlier this week to get the win today?

Game Snapshot

601 Virginia Cavaliers at 602 Duke Blue Devils

Saturday, January 19, 2019

Cameron Indoor Stadium at 6PM ET

TV: ESPN

Compare odds from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our College Basketball Odds & Betting Page.

 

Public Betting Information

According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, the Blue Devils are a 4-point favorite on the spread line. The total is set at 135.5 points. As of Saturday morning, 60 percent of public bets are siding with visiting Virginia. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for the latest information.

Cavs hammer Hokies to stay unbeaten

Virginia dominated rival Virginia Tech Tuesday night at home by a score of 81-59 to improve to 16-0 overall and 4-0 in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Cavaliers led by a commanding 44-22 score at halftime. Virginia shot 31-of-53 from the field, 13-of-24 from 3-point distance and 6-of-6 at the free throw line. De'Andre Hunter paced the Cavs with 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting including 1-of-2 from 3-point distance plus 4-of-4 at the free throw line. He also contributed five rebounds and two assists. Kyle Guy tallied 15 points and five boards. Ty Jerome added 14 points, 12 assists, four caroms and two steals.

Blue Devils fall as big favorites

Duke lost 95-91 in overtime at home Monday night versus Syracuse despite being 17-point favorites. The Blue Devils (14-2, 3-1) were outscored 10-6 in the extra session. Duke held a 49-48 advantage at halftime. Zion Williamson had a monster game for the Blue Devils with 35 points on 12-of-20 shooting including 1-of-5 from 3-point range plus 10-of-14 at the free throw line. R.J. Barrett nearly notched a triple-double with 23 points, 16 boards and nine assists. Alex O'Connell tallied 16 points, three caroms, three dimes and two steals off the bench. Marques Bolden added 12 points plus 11 rebounds and five blocked shots as a reserve. Duke shot 31-of-80 from the field, 9-of-43 from 3-point distance and 20-of-27 at the free throw line.

College Basketball Betting Trends

Virginia

The Cavaliers are 21-8 ATS in their last 29 road games. Virginia is 37-16-1 ATS in its last 54 games overall.

Duke

The Blue Devils are 6-1 ATS in their last seven Saturday games. Duke is 4-1 ATS in its last five home games.

Prediction:

For my money, these are the best two teams in the country right now. I don't think anyone disputes that with Duke, but after falling to a No. 16 seed in historic fashion last March there was some image repair that Virginia had to do. In dominant fashion, the Cavs have shown to the nation that this version is better than last year's team. Virginia ranks third nationally in adjusted offensive efficiency and second in defensive efficiency. Meanwhile, Duke is ranked fourth in both offense and defense. The loss of Tre Jones to injury was a factor in the loss to Syracuse and it could be a factor today, although the return of Cam Reddish from illness should help. I think the difference here is in Virginia playing at its sloth-like pace and frustrating the Blue Devils, who would rather get out and run. I see this game going right down to the wire and I'll gladly take Virginia with the points.

 

NCAA DAILY PREDICTION: VIRGINIA CAVALIERS +4