Duke (15-4) at Virginia Tech (13-7)
When: Monday, January 29th, 2024
Where: Cassell Coliseum,
Blacksburg, VA
Time: 7:00 ET | TV: ESPN
Opening Odds: Duke -3.5/147
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We have a big game in the ACC to kick off another busy week of College Basketball games, as we approach the final month of the regular season. The Duke Blue Devils visit the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum in Blacksburg, Virginia. While the North Carolina Tar Heels appear to be in firm control of the ACC, Duke is trying to keep pressure on them, while VA Tech is hoping to build their resume for their NCAA Tournament hopes. Duke is coming off a crazy 72-71 home win over Clemson on Saturday, thanks to Tyrese Proctor’s two free throws with one second remaining.
The Hokies had an easy tune-up on Saturday with a 91-67 home win over Georgia Tech. That was the third straight victory for Virginia Tech, who had previously lost four of five. The Hokies are in the middle of the pack in the ACC and are just 1-5 in Quadrant 1 games and 3-2 in Quadrant 2 contests. A win on Monday would enhance their chances come March. Virginia Tech will come into this contest as 3.5-point underdogs with a total of 147.
Duke has all kinds of problems with the Hokies over the last few seasons, especially at Cassell Coliseum. The Blue Devils are just 7-7 lifetime there, but lead the all-times series 52-13. The Hokies have won five of the last six home games against Duke including last season’s 78-75 triumph. Over the last 10 meetings between the teams, each has won five.
Jared McCain led the way with 21 points while Proctor added 18 as the Blue Devils came up big on the defensive end late in the win over Clemson. Over the final 90 seconds, Duke forced three steals and converted twice out of timeouts with the game in limbo. Duke has won 10-of-11 overall and are 2.5 games behind the Tar Heels in the ACC. The Blue Devils have five double-digit scorers led by Kyle Filipowski’s 17.7. Filipowski also leads the team in rebounding (8.7) and blocks (37). Duke will play at North Carolina on Saturday.
Starting point guard Sean Pedulla leads the Hokies with 15.7 points a game, but has been turning the ball over at an alarming rate. He was fine against the Yellow Jackets on Saturday, but before that he committed six or more turnovers in four straight games. Hunter Cattoor averages 13.7 a game and scored 31 against the Blue Devils in the 2022 ACC Championship game for the Hokies first ever league title. In conference play he’s shooting 43 percent from beyond the arc and 63 percent on two point attempts. Virginia Tech will play at Miami on Saturday.
We know Duke is the better team, but you can’t ignore how underrated Cassell Coliseum is for the home team. Virginia Tech is 10-1 on the season there, while Duke is just 3-2 on the road. The Blue Devils have all kinds of problems when visiting Blacksburg and the Hokies have the squad this year to give them more fits. I’ll take the home dog here.
