Duke vs North Carolina Rivalry Game Spread Preview

Posted by Henry Watkins on Tuesday,February 16, 2016 2:10, EDT in

When you think of college basketball, there are a few iconic programs that immediately spring to mind. It’s always a little exciting when a pair of those programs clash in a big match-up. That is exactly what we will be getting on Wednesday, February 17 when the Duke Blue Devils head into the Dean E. Smith Center in Chapel Hill to face the North Carolina Tar Heels. Check back to our NCAAB betting page at MyBookie.ag for updated odds on what should be a classic match-up.

How to bet Duke Blue Devils Vs North Carolina Tar Heels

When: Wednesday, February 17, 9 PM EST
Where: Dean E. Smith Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
TV: ESPN
Radio: GoDuke.com
Stream Option: WatchESPN


There may be no better game on the Wednesday NCAA basketball calendar than this one. You have the defending champion going against the team that many believe will win it all this year, and that makes for a tasty wagering proposition.

Why bet on the Duke Blue Devils

Just a couple of week ago we were talking about how this Duke (19-6, 8-4) team was a pale shadow of the one that won it all. Things have changed dramatically in that time, though, as Duke have won 4 straight, and have knocked off a pair of ranked opponents in the process. This is beginning to look like a team that has its swagger back, as well as one that is gearing up for a deep run in the Tournament. A trio of those 4 wins came on home court, but the Blue Devils have also managed to win 2 of their last 3 on the road. More importantly, though, they have momentum on their side, as they are really starting to look like a team that is peaking at just the right time. Duke are averaging 83.4 PPG, and are giving up 70.9 PPG.

Why bet on the North Carolina Tar Heels

Like many of the teams that have sat atop the rankings this season, the North Carolina Tar Heels (21-4, 10-2) have had a little fall from grace. Back to back losses versus Louisville and Notre Dame dropped them down, but they have since climbed back to #5 with 2 wins in a row. The first of those wins was a rather nervy looking one against Boston College, but the Tar Heels looked more like their old selves with a hefty thumping of the Pittsburgh Panthers in their last game. North Carolina have only had 3 games versus ranked opponents, but they did manage to win 2 out of 3, although that lone loss did come in their last meeting against ranked Louisville. The Tar Heels are averaging 83.8 PPG, and are giving up 70.2 PPG.

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Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

The Duke Blue Devils look to be back, but this is the game that will be the litmus test for where they are really at right now. I think they are going to come up a little short, as North Carolina are just too good on home court.

Duke Blue Devils 75 North Carolina Tar Heels 80