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UCF vs Duke March Madness Spread / Live Stream / TV Channel, Date / Time & Prediction

UCF vs Duke March Madness Spread / Live Stream / TV Channel, Date / Time & Prediction

Written by on March 23, 2019

March Madness Trends, Rumors & News, NCAA Basketball Betting News

It’s student versus mentor on Sunday, March 24 when the UCF Golden Knights battle the Duke Blue Devils. Knights’ coach Johnny Dawkins helped Coach K get to his first Final Four way back in 1986. Johnny D. is one of the greatest players in Duke history. Will he coach Central Florida to the biggest upset yet in the NCAA Tournament?

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UCF vs Duke 2019 March Madness Spread & Game Info

  • When: Sunday, March 24 at 5:15pm ET
  • Where: Colonial Life Arena, Columbia, SC
  • TV: CBS
  • Live Stream: March Madness Live
  • ATS Odds: Duke -12.5
  • Over/Under Total Odds: 143.5

Why #9 UCF Knights a good bet +12.5?

Central Florida had won 4 in a row before a couple of awful performances against Temple and Memphis led to some wondering if the Knights had done enough to make it into the NCAA Tournament field.

The Selection Committee had no problems adding UFC. Dawkins’ squad proved the committee right by dominating their round one opponent, VCU, 73-58. Now, UCF is flying high again. Johnny Dawkins knows how Coach K thinks. The Knights should be a tough out for the Duke Blue Devils.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Points/G: 72.2
  • Field Goal %: 46.4
  • 3-Point %: 36.1
  • Free Throw %: 64.7
  • Rebounds/G: 36.9
Defense:
  • Points/G: 64.1
  • Field Goal %: 39.2
  • 3-Point %: 31
  • Free Throw %: 65.1
  • Rebounds/G: 29.7

Why #1 Duke Blue Devils are a good bet -12.5?

Duke won the ACC Tournament by beating rival North Carolina for a third time. The ACC is so deep this season that Duke, North Carolina, and Virginia all got 1-seeds.

All 3 ACC powerhouse squads also won their first round games. Duke should run all over UCF the same way they ran all over North Dakota State 85-62 in their first game. The Blue Devils are the overall 1-seed for a reason.

Team Statistics

Offense:
  • Points/G: 83.5
  • Field Goal %: 47.8
  • 3-Point %: 30.5
  • Free Throw %: 68.9
  • Rebounds/G: 41.7
Defense:
  • Points/G: 67.4
  • Field Goal %: 39.4
  • 3-Point %: 29.3
  • Free Throw %: 69.5
  • Rebounds/G: 32.2

March Madness Betting Trends for UCF vs Duke

  • Knights are 9-2 ATS in their 11 games overall
  • Knights are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games versus a team with a winning percentage above .600
  • Blue Devils are 1-8 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win
  • Blue Devils are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games

UCF vs Duke Final March Madness Betting Analysis

It’s tough to go against the Duke Blue Devils after watching how thoroughly dominating they were against North Dakota State, but Duke faces an exceptionally talented defensive team in UCF.

The Knights are not only talented on defense, they have an edge in this game that could lead to the first 1-seed falling in the NCAA Tournament. UCF allows their opponents to shoot 65.1% from the free throw line. That ranks fourth in the nation. What it means is that Dawkins has his players strategically foul opposing players.

That’s bad news for the Blue Devils because as a team they only shoot 68.9% from the free throw line. UCF could use their fouling strategy to get more possessions than Duke. Although Duke is way more athletic, it won’t matter how thunderous their dunks are if UCF can employ their strategy, get more possessions, run some clock and win a low-scoring game. The Knights have a real shot on the moneyline. So, consider backing if you can. Taking the points is a no-brainer.

2019 March Madness Pick: UCF +12.5

2019 March Madness Expert Betting News

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