We have your Duke Blue Devils vs. Houston Cougars prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Duke Blue Devils hit the road to face the Houston Cougars.
The Houston Cougars (32-4) are set to battle the Duke Blue Devils (26-8) in a highly anticipated Sweet 16 showdown. With both teams on a 2-game winning streak, this matchup promises to be a clash of titans as they vie for a spot in the Elite Eight.
Duke Blue Devils vs. Houston Cougars Odds Info
Moneyline: Duke Blue Devils +160 (BetRivers) / Houston Cougars -194 (FanDuel)
Spread: -4.5 – Duke Blue Devils -112 (DraftKings) / Houston Cougars -105 (FanDuel)
Total: 134.5 – -108 (DraftKings) / -110 (PointsBet)
Game Info
Date: Friday, Mar. 29
Time: 08:39 PM
Location: American Airlines Center – Dallas, TX
TV: CBS
Duke Blue Devils Betting Trends
- On the road, Duke Blue Devils are 7 and 4 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Duke Blue Devils are 18 and 14.
- Against the spread on the road, Duke Blue Devils are 5 and 6.
Houston Cougars Betting Trends
- At home, Houston Cougars are 17 and 0 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Houston Cougars are 16 and 16.
- Against the spread at home, Houston Cougars are 13 and 7.
Duke Blue Devils vs. Houston Cougars Predictions
The Sweet 16 stage of the NCAA Tournament is set for a thrilling encounter as the top-seeded Houston Cougars take on the 4th-seeded Duke Blue Devils. Houston, boasting a perfect home record of 17-0, will rely on their defensive prowess, leading college basketball by allowing only 57.7 points and holding opponents to 37.8% shooting. The Cougars’ guard L.J. Cryer, averaging 15.5 points per game, and forward J’Wan Roberts, leading the team with 6.8 rebounds per game, are expected to play pivotal roles.
Duke, on the other hand, enters the contest with an impressive offensive lineup, ranking 27th in field goal percentage at 48.2% and 46th in three-point field goal percentage at 38.1%. The Blue Devils’ center Kyle Filipowski, who leads the team with 16.6 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, will be a key player to watch. The team’s recent performance, including a dominant 93-55 win over James Madison, indicates they are peaking at the right time.
This game will not only be a test of Houston’s defensive mettle against Duke’s offensive firepower but also a showcase of strategic coaching from Houston’s Kelvin Sampson and Duke’s Jon Scheyer. With both teams looking to extend their winning streaks and secure a place in the Elite Eight, the stage is set for an epic encounter that will hinge on the performances of star players and the ability to execute under pressure.
Duke Blue Devils vs. Houston Cougars Pick
The matchup between the Houston Cougars and the Duke Blue Devils presents a compelling case for the Over on the total line of 134.5. Houston’s defense has been formidable throughout the season, but Duke’s offense has shown the ability to score efficiently, ranking 27th in field goal percentage and 46th in three-point field goal percentage. The Blue Devils’ recent scoring surge, including a 93-55 rout of James Madison, suggests they have the firepower to challenge Houston’s defense. Moreover, the Cougars themselves are not slouches on offense, averaging 74.1 points per game, which could contribute to a higher-scoring affair than the odds suggest.
While historical trends indicate a tendency towards the Under for both teams, the current form and stakes of the Sweet 16 game are likely to intensify the offensive efforts. Duke’s ability to spread the floor and Houston’s balanced scoring attack, led by L.J. Cryer, could push the total points beyond the set line. Additionally, with both teams on winning streaks and fighting for a spot in the Elite Eight, the urgency of the knockout stage may lead to a faster-paced game, resulting in more scoring opportunities and, consequently, a higher total score that surpasses the Over line.
The Pick: Over 134.5 -110 (PointsBet)
