No team in college basketball has a more suffocating defense than the Syracuse zone. While harsh on the eyes coach Jim Boeheim’s patented stop unit gets results. As was the case two years ago Syracuse was a controversial selection for March Madness. Yet once again their zone defense has been the meal ticket to a surprise run. Duke is a blue blood power with betting lines NCAA basketball. Coach Mike Krzyzewski remains in his prime after 38 seasons on the job. Despite their marquee presence the Blue Devils have been a strong betting value.
Syracuse Orange vs. Duke Blue Devils
Date and Time: Friday, March 23, 2018, 8:37 p.m. Eastern
Location: CenturyLink Center Omaha, Nebraska
NCAA Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Syracuse | +11½ (-110) | 133½ (-110) |  |
| Duke | -11½ (-110) | 133½ (-110) | |
| |||
Orange vs. Blue Devils TV Coverage: CBS
Duke
Few teams paid out with the betting lines NCAA basketball better than Duke this season. With 22 payouts in 33 games they kept gamblers happy. First and second round covers in March Madness added to the fat wallets. Duke first dispatched Iona 89-67 as 20-point chalks. Following that was an 87-62 payout over URI. Coach K boasts the sixth ranked offense in the nation. On average the Blue Devils outscore opponents by an average of 85-69 per game. Sharp shooting Duke ranks ninth in the country for field goal percentage. A rank of 13th for field goal defense also impresses.
Syracuse
Perhaps no other online wagering commodity could be more opposite of Duke than Syracuse. Jim Boeheim’s plodding offense ranked 317th in the country. Offsetting that was a defense that ranked tenth in the nation. Close calls were the norm for The Cuse with an average score of 67-64. Betting value has surged for the Orange with five payouts in their last six games. Under the total has hit in five of their last six games. Michigan State was suffocated by the Orange zone 55-53 in the second round. Once again Syracuse pulled off an ugly yet beautiful tournament win.
Big Names on Court
What little offense Syracuse has is provided from sophomore guard Tyus Battle. He is averaging a team best 19 points per game. Battle pumped in 17 points in the win over MSU. Duke boasts one of the top freshmen in the country. Forward Marvin Bagley III leads Duke with 21 points and 11 rebounds per game. Bagley posted 22 points in each of the first two Big Dance wins.
Coach vs. Coach
Krzyzewski and Boeheim make for a Hall of Fame coaching matchup. With five Final Fours and one national title Boeheim ranks as one of the best. What is off the charts is Krzyzewski’s five nattys and 12 Final Fours. Syracuse and Duke met once this season in Atlantic Coast Conference action. On February 24 the Blue Devils covered a 60-44 home payout.
Matchup to Watch
Hoops junkies and casual bettors will flock to this big-name showdown. Rare is such a contrast of styles with betting lines NCAA basketball. Most relevant is Duke’s natural talent and depth. If there is a coach that can solve the zone its Krzyzewski. Finally, on the hardwood Bagley is the difference maker in this matchup.
Orange vs. Blue Devils NCAA games Betting Odds Picks
While Syracuse has made a nice run, Duke is an entirely different level. In summary Duke will give The Cuse a dose of reality.
NCAA Betting Online Pick: Duke Blue Devils
NCAA Betting Online Score Prediction: Blue Devils 81, Orange 67