The Louisville Cardinals have done a respectable job in staying competitive for interim head coach David Padgett. Louisville lost head coach Rick Pitino due to his resignation in light of a FBI investigation. Because Padgett was Pitino’s assistant he had the unenviable job of following a legend under the cloud of scandal. Yet the Cardinals have stayed in the NCAA Basketball Championship Odds race. Seems like the Duke Blue Devils came back strong after their loss to North Carolina with two wins and payouts. Factoring in their success is an offense that is among the very best in the land.
Louisville Cardinals vs. Duke Blue Devils
Date and Time: Wednesday, February 21, 2018, 9 p.m. Eastern
Location: Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, North Carolina
NCAA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
Louisville +11 (-110) 156½ (-110)
Duke -11 (-110) 156½ (-110)
Cardinals vs. Blue Devils TV Coverage: ESPN
As always, the Duke Blue Devils remain a top contender with the NCAA Basketball Championship Odds. Coach Mike Krzyzewski’s team is 22-5 straight up and 16-9 against the spread. At Cameron Indoor Stadium Duke is 7-4 against the spread. Especially relevant is that the Blue Devils have paid out in six out of their last ten games. Under the total has paid in six of Duke’s last nine games. A scoring average of 88.2 points per game by Duke is second best nationally. Conversely their defense is a mediocre 163rd in the country.
Most of all Coach K will have the best player on the court. Freshman forward sensation Marvin Bagley III has a team best 21.2 points and 11.4 rebounds per game. In the Atlantic Coast Conference standings, the Blue Devils trail Virginia. Much as they try Duke is likely not going to catch UVA.
With an online sportsbook record of 18-9 straight up and 13-11-1 against the spread, Louisville looks solid. Due to recent losses the Ville is on the bubble for March Madness. Most noteworthy UL has paid out in just two out of their last five games. They got smoked 93-76 at North Carolina in their last game. Just two out of Louisville’s last ten games have gone under the total. In away games the Cardinals have lost just two out of eight games vs the odds. Over the total has paid for them in six out of eight away games.
Especially relevant for Louisville is that they lack an identifiable strength. The transition from Pitino to Padgett has been difficult. For a while the Cardinals were holding their own. But Louisville now has the look of a team being worn down.
In this head to head series Louisville has paid out in just one of their last five games against Duke. The last two meetings in this series have gone over the total. Finally, the Blue Devils have covered their only previous home game against The Ville.
Matchup to Watch
Due to recent results this is a matchup of momentum with the NCAA Basketball Championship Odds. Duke is taking good form with tournament time looming. Louisville has the look of an insecure team doubting its future. Consequently, the recent drop in value for the Cardinals makes them hard to recommend. Especially against a high scoring Duke team at Cameron. Finally, Coach K has a team with superior firepower.
Cardinals vs. Blue Devils NCAA games Betting Odds Picks
In conclusion the Duke Blue Devils are in better form. They should get the money against slumping Louisville.
NCAA Betting Online Pick: Duke Blue Devils
NCAA Betting Online Score Prediction: Blue Devils 85, Cardinals 69
Check out highlights of Duke’s win at Clemson.