Despite their reputation for top-tier defense, the Virginia Cavaliers have had a rough season thus far. According to Douglas Farmer, the Blue Devils’ offensive is so efficient that it can score goals even when playing away from home.
As the season progresses, the reasons for Tony Bennett’s abrupt retirement from the Virginia Cavaliers just before the season started become increasingly apparent. To put it mildly, the Cavaliers are awful. Their badness would have driven Bennett absolutely bonkers.
Even with a terrible defense, the Blue Devils from Duke should have no trouble scoring tonight.
Cooper Flagg and the Blue Devils should lead to a high-scoring matchup in my college basketball picks and predictions for the Duke vs. Virginia game. On Monday, February 17, at 8PM ET, you will receive the tip.
Who will win: Duke or Virginia?
Duke as a team to go over 72.5 points is my best bet (-125 with bet365).
In this study, I will explain
This is the worst defense that Virginia has seen in twenty years. The Cavaliers’ defensive performance has not been this dismal according to Ken Pomeroy’s ACC-only metrics since the 2004–05 season, which was Pete Gillen’s last season in charge and four years prior to Tony Bennett’s arrival in Charlottesville.
More importantly, in terms of defensive efficiency, Virginia was the best in the ACC both last year and the next 2022–23 season. In terms of current ACC rankings, the Cavaliers are fourteenth.
How is this even possible?
In a nutshell, only two starting players from Bennett’s previous squad returned to Virginia. This may be par for the course in college basketball due to the quick eligibility upon transfer, but it is devastating to Bennett’s system.
Based on the data provided by Bart Torvik, the Cavaliers have maintained an adjusted defensive efficiency ranking of No. 189 since the new year. With the exception of a tie, seven of Virginia’s last eight games have ended in a score that went above the total. The Cavaliers’ offense is not that reason. Their defenselessness is the problem.
Duke will maximize that opportunity. This ACC-leading offense is built to take advantage of defenses’ shortcomings; it has the best effective field-goal percentage and the second-highest rate of success from beyond the arc. On the defensive side of the ball, Virginia isn’t very strong.
Over the past two months, Virginia’s Blue Devils have gone undefeated in twelve of fourteen games. Their only losses were against Wake Forest and Clemson, two ACC teams with defenses that are light years ahead of Virginia’s.
In this study, I will explain
What were the key components of Tony Bennett’s winning teams? Their defenses are designed to limit penetration and prevent second chances. To summarize, those were the most important parts of the “Pack Line” defense.
The Cavaliers have lost their footing on the court’s glass at each end. Among ACC teams, they rank dead last in offensive rebound percentage (22.7%) when playing in conference play, according to kenpom.com. Last year, it was 24.8% and two years ago, it was 25.7%. Despite placing sixth in ACC play, Virginia’s defensive rebound percentage of 71.2% is down from 75.3% two years ago and 74.3% last season.
These setbacks are obvious and final.
Cooper Flagg isn’t exactly known for his rebounding skills, but he does rank fifteenth in the Atlantic Coast Conference for defensive rebounding rate. With his towering 6-foot-9 size, he should have no trouble finding open looks on the glass tonight against the underwhelming Cavaliers.
When it comes to his shooting technique and ferocity, Flagg has recently reached new heights. That idea ought to frighten everybody who is against March.
For his career-opening ten games in the ACC, Flagg shot 16 for 38 from outside the arc. He has made 12 of 22 long-range attempts in five games played so far in February. While his jump from 42.1% to 54.5% might not be sustainable, he should make 4.4 three-pointers per game instead of 3.8 his go-to for the remainder of the season.
Expect Flagg to make two or more threes if he’s taking that many.
This article will teach you the ins and outs of betting a same-game parlay.
Preview: Duke vs. Virginia
Predictions: Duke -14.5, Virginia +14.5
Financial odds: Duke -1,100, Virginia +700
This bet goes beyond 129.5 and goes under 129.5.
Trends in betting on Duke vs. Virginia
Since 2011, Virginia has not had a home underdog that was double digits. The 56-41 Duke victory in Charlottesville occurred precisely fourteen years ago, exactly to the day. Look for other betting trends for the Duke vs. Virginia college basketball game.
Duke vs. Virginia: How to Watch
The placeOn Monday, February 17, 2025, in the John Paul Jones Arena in Charlottesville, Virginia
Game time: 8:00 p.m. Duke vs. Virginia: Important Injuries
Role and Status of Virginia Cavaliers Player
Redshirt—Carter Lang—F
Notified: Wednesday, November 6,
Concerning Christian Bliss (G), a foot injury was reported on Wednesday, November 6.
On one knee, Elijah Gertrude G.
Sent: Monday, October 14
Red Devils Duke
There were no reported injuries.
