Blue Devils vs. Tar Heels Prediction
The North Carolina Tar Heels are having a rough season overall, but records can be thrown out the window today as they host their rivals in the seventh-ranked Duke Blue Devils. Can UNC keep it within the number as the home dogs?
Game Snapshot
741 Duke Blue Devils at 742 North Carolina Tar Heels
Saturday, February 8, 2020
Dean E. Smith Center at 6PM ET
TV: ESPN
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According to oddsmakers, the Blue Devils are a 7.5-point favorite on the spread line. The over-under is set at 150 points. As of Saturday morning, 55 percent of public bets are siding with host UNC. Check out our College Basketball Public Betting Page for the latest information.
Blue Devils get past Eagles
Duke registered a 63-55 victory Tuesday night at Boston College to improve to 19-3 overall and 9-2 in Atlantic Coast Conference action. The Blue Devils outscored the Eagles 42-31 in the second half after trailing by three at halftime. Tre Jones led Duke with 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting plus 4-of-5 at the free throw line. He also contributed four assists and three rebounds. Vernon Carey Jr. added 17 points and 10 boards.
Tar Heels falter at Seminoles
North Carolina suffered a 65-59 loss Monday night at Florida State to drop to 10-12 overall and 3-8 in the ACC. The Tar Heels were outscored 36-31 in the second half of the defeat. Cole Anthony led UNC with 16 points on 5-of-22 shooting including 3-of-10 from 3-point distance plus 3-of-8 at the charity stripe. He also registered eight rebounds and three asissts. Christian Keeling tallied 14 points, two boards and two steals. Leaky Black added 10 points, five caroms, three assists and two steals.
College Basketball Betting Trends
Duke
The Blue Devils are 5-1 ATS in their last six games following an ATS loss. Duke is 5-2 ATS in its last seven road games versus a team with a winning home record.
North Carolina
The Tar Heels are 4-1 ATS in their last five home games. North Carolina is 1-4 ATS in its last five Saturday games.
Prediction:
The Tar Heels are having a brutal season, but did hang in there much of the contest against Florida State. Rivalry games bring out the best in teams and I’ll take a home underdog in a lot of situations. This contest fits the bill. As bad as UNC has been, this could make its season with a win. Even if the Tar Heels don’t pull off the major upset, the spread provides nice cushion. Going with the hosts tonight.
COLLEGE BASKETBALL DAILY PREDICTION: NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS +7.5